A Brief History Of English Literature - By EVA MARCH TAPPAN - PREFACE - THIS book is based upon the following convictions 1. That the prime object of studying literature is to develop the ability to enjoy it. 2. That in every work of literary merit there is something to enjoy. 3. That it is less important to know the list of an authors works than to feel the impulse to read one of them. 4. That it is better to know a few authors well than to learn the names of many. To select those few authors with due regard to what is good in itself and what is historically of value, to choose from the hundreds whose writings have made for literary excellence, is under no circumstances an easy task. It is especially difficult and especially delightful for one who can echo most honestly the words of the French critic..........