The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Vagabond in Literature, by Arthur Rickett

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org

Title: The Vagabond in Literature

Author: Arthur Rickett

Release Date: August 5, 2010 [eBook #33356]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)

***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE VAGABOND IN LITERATURE***

Transcribed from the 1906 J. M. Dent & Co. edition by David Price, email
ccx074@pglaf.org

[Picture: William Hazlitt. From a crayon drawing by W. Bewick executed
in 1822]

THE VAGABOND
IN LITERATURE

BY
ARTHUR RICKETT

[Picture: Decorative device]

WITH
SIX PORTRAITS

* * * * *

1906
LONDON
J. M. DENT & CO.
29 & 30 BEDFORD STREET, W.C.

_All Rights Reserved_

TO
MY FRIEND
ALFRED E. FLETCHER

FOREWORD

In the introductory paper to this volume an attempt is made to justify
the epithet "Vagabond" as applied to writers of a certain temperament.
This much may be said here: the term Vagabond is used in no derogatory
sense. Etymologically it signifies a wanderer; and such is the meaning
attached to the term in the following pages. Differing frequently in
character and in intellectual power, a basic similarity of temperament
gives the various writers discussed a remarkable spiritual affinity. For
in each one the wandering instinct is strong. Sometimes it may take a
physical, sometimes an intellectual expression--sometimes both. But
always it shows itself, and always it is opposed to the routine and
conventions of ordinary life.

These papers are primarily studies in temperament; and the literary
aspects have been subordinated to the personal element. In fact, they
are studies of certai