For the intelligent reading of Irving very little critical apparatus seems necessary. In the Introduction to the present volume the 'endeavor has been to give a sym 'pathetic sketch of the life of Irving, followed by a brief criticism of the group of three or four works to which the Tales -of a Traveller and the Sketch Book belon'g. In the notes all but the most evident allusions have been explained and most of the foreign words and phrases have been translated. An occasional topic for class discussion is suggested; but generally all matters of criticism and opinion have been left untouched.