It will be seen that apart from his works there are abundant materials for forming a correct judgment of Southey; indeed, few men of letters can be known so well. In this age, however, lit erature is too often swamped by books, and readers are apt to treat authors as obsolete whose works are not in circulation at the library. I hope notwithstanding that this attempt to present a cabinet portrait of Southey may lead the present generation of readers to give the honor he deserves to an illustrious English worthy.