Benziger 5 rdr INTRODUCTORY. In this Fifth Reader the publishers have endeavored to preserve the Catholic tone that is a feature of The New Century Catholic Series, but have not thought it necessary to present any purely doctrinal lessons. As a better way to emphasize the character of the book, they have drawn largely from the writings of Catholics of recognized standing in the world of letters. The lessons have been chosen and arranged to appeal to dif ferent tastes. Many of the selections appear for the first time in a School Reader; others, while old, will be entirely new to the young generation. That this is a reading book has never been lost sight of, but it is also a step toward good literature. The aim has been to place before the pupils matter that will both interest them and point the way to an acquaintance with authors, Catholic and non-Catholic, whose excellence is acknowledged wherever our language is known. A brief biography of the author. from whose work the selection is made follows most of the lessons. The illustrations, especially those in colors, will, it is believed, prove attractive alike to pupil and teacher; they are real works of art, and in most cases are reproductions of the works of famous masters. 5 The publishers acknowledge their obligations for many valuable suggestions and much practical assistance from experienced teachers in various parts of the country, and for these, as well as for the kind words of encouragement, they are deeply grateful. For the privilege of using valuable copyrighted matter, the publishers are indebted to the Right Rev. J. L. Spalding, D.D., and his publishers, Messrs. A. C. McClurg & Co.; Mr. Charles Warren Stoddard and the Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Company; Mr. James Jeffrey Roche; Major Henry F. Brownson; Miss Eleanor C. Donnelly; Miss Agnes Repplier; Dr. Maurice F. Egan; Mr. Albert B. Paine; The John Murphy Co.; the Catholic Library Association; Messrs. Harper and Brothers; and Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., the authorized publishers of Longfellow's works. |