Imperfect copy p. 81-96 lacking

cannot be replaced,

2-29-12

PUBLISHED IN LONDON BY J. M. DENT

& COMPANY, IN NEW YORK BY E. P.

DUTTON & CO.

MCMV

S°

CHARLOTTE BRONTË.

much has been written about the Bronte family, that, except for the discovery of fresh biographical matter, which is unlikely, or the publication of letters addressed to, or affecting, those still living which would be out of place, nothing remains at the present day to be said; and if there did, perhaps this would not be the most appropriate place to say it. A novel may be better understood, and more justly appreciated, by our acquaintance with something of the character of the author, and some knowledge of that author's circumstances and surroundings; but any extended biography is here quite unnecessary. Reference is made at the end of this note to the principal writings on the subject, many of which are of extreme interest. Only a brief outline need now be given, and this, it is to be hoped, will rather encourage the reader than deter him from making a fuller acquaintance with the character of Charlotte Brontë, as depicted in the biography by Mrs. Gaskell. Readers who prefer a more concise biography, will find in Mr Augustine Birrell's delightful little book all the leading incidents and much sound criticism.