ad to discussion and
differences of opinion, for dissent is the guidepost to truth. As far as
possible, we have avoided statement of our own opinions.

The Studies and Reviews are the meagre result of long search in
periodical literature. The fact that the photograph and the personal note
bulk far more largely than criticism in America needs no comment here.

Supplementary to the alphabetical list of authors with material for
study, which constitutes the body of the book, are the classified
indexes. These are intended for use in planning courses of study. The
classification according to form suggests the limitation of work to
poets, dramatists, novelists, short-story writers, essayists, critics,
writers on country life, travel, and Nature, humorists, "columnists," and
writers of biography and autobiography. In this connection should be
noted the supplementary list of poets whose names have not been included
in our list but whose work can be studied in one or more of the
anthologies indicated.

The classification according to birthplace (in some cases information
could not be obtained) furnishes material for the study of local groups
of writers.

The classification according to subject matter (including the use of
local color and background), although it is necessarily incomplete,
will, it is hoped, suggest courses of reading on these bases.

Preceding the alphabetical list of authors are bibliographies of
different types, which should be of use in the finding of material: lists
of indexes and critical periodicals; of general works of reference
discussing the period; of collections of poems, plays, short-stories, and
essays; and of bibliographies of short plays and short stories.

* * * * *

Our thanks for criticisms and suggestions are due to Professors Robert
Herrick, Robert Morss Lovett, and Percy Holmes Boynton.

To Mr. G. Teyen, of the Chicago Public Library, we are indebted for
continual help in procuring books, verifying references, and, in general,
for putting the resources of the library at our disposal.

INDEXES AND CRITICAL PERIODICALS

_Indexes_

American Library Association Index, (to 1900) A.L.A.I.
Supplement, 1901-1910 A.L.A. Supp.

Annual Literary Index (1892-1904) A.L.I.
Continued as Annual Library Index, 1905-1910 A.L.I.

Dramatic Index, 1909-