GOLDEN LEAVES FROM THE AMERICAN POETS COLLECTED BY JOHN W. S. HOWS. NEW YORK: HURST & CO., PUBLISHERS, PREFAСЕ. TH HIS Selection from the works of American POETS is based upon the same design I contemplated in the companion volume of "GOLDEN LEAVES FROM THE BRITISH POETS," lately issued. I have endeavoured to gather into one portable vor ume those Poems that have, by general acceptation, become identified in the hearts of the Peopie as the choicest and noblest specimens of American National Poetry. To these literal “household woras” there are added other selections, not perhaps so generally familiar to ordinary readers, but yet possessing sufficient merit to make them worthy a place in a work expressly intended as an exponent of the Poetic Genius of the Country. A few of the earliest recorded efforts of American poetic composition are given, as interesting relics of a bygone age-affording, as they do, graphic pictures of the habits and manners of the periods they describe; and as marking also the incipient dawnings of poetic talent in this country. I may be permitted to add, without incurring the charge of undue egotism, I trust, that the preparation of this work has been to me literally "a labour of love." It seemed to me a fitting tribute to render to those Poets whose works had entered so largely into my professional studies for the last thirty years, and between whom and the mere cursory reader, and those of a yet immature age, I had endeavoured faithfully to act as an INTERPRETER, that I should, in the probably closing effort of my literary career, present a worthy monument recording the Genius of American Poesy, acceptable to the reading Public, and one that should do honour to the Poets I have selected for representation; and to these Gifted Men and Women I most respectfully dedicate these my humble labours. 5 COTTAGE PLACE, NEW YORK, October 12, 1864 } J. W. S. H. |