READING

AND THE MIND,

WITH

SOMETHING TO READ.

BY

J. F. X. O'CONOR, S. J.

SECOND EDITION.

1885.

BENZIGER BROTHERS,

New York, St. Louis and Cincinnati.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1884, by J. F. X. O'CONOR,

In the office of the Librarian at Congress at Washington, D. C.

PRESS OF FRANK J. MCQUEENEY, 286 Washington Street,

Boston, Mass.

PREFACE.

The kind welcome extended to this little book has called within a few months for a second edition. The author thanks his readers for this mark of approval.

No preface could state more aptly the object in view, in writing these pages than these kind words from the scholarly pen of the President of Georgetown University :

"Something to Read' is the title of a pamphlet which the Professor of Poetry has compiled, arranged and published for the use of his students. It is substantially a list of the English authors, an acquaintance with whom is imperatively demanded in those readers who would aspire to the title of English scholars. Under well selected heads are given the names which have illustrated in prose or in verse the great tongue which is fast gaining supremacy among the languages of the world; and if golden leisure hours but come to one in moderate store, he can fill them up with treasures drawn from the sources which the little pamphlet will indicate, at the same time running no risk of wasting time in gathering dross or garnering poison. Often are teachers, parents and friends asked, by those who take guidance from them, 'What shall I read?' This will answer the question, an important one as all know, for to quote a line from the pages before us: 'It is nearly an axiom that people will not be better than the books they read.'"

Though it would be far too much to presume that all herein outlined has been accomplished; yet to do so, indeed, was the aim and ardent wish of the writer. Should this book induce one young mind to undertake a profitable course of reading, its work will have been done.

Woodstock, May, 1885.