To the faculty of the English Department at Columbia the author is under heavy obligations. Professor W. P. Trent and Professor Brander Mat thews rendered valuable assistance by their corree tions and suggestions in the proof-sheets. Professor Trent, who directed the preparation of this book, put his time and his scholarship at the author's disposal with a generosity that only the author is in position to appreciate. When this preface was first written, the author here added a last word of gratitude and love for Professor Price, his master and friend, who sug gested this study and inspired many of its lead ing ideas. The words of admiration which were natural then, would now sound less fitting; death makes such praise seem idle. But the love and gratitude remain. This book will be read most kindly by those who knew Professor Price; may it represent him not unworthily to others.