INTRODUCTION. In preparing ECHOES OF LIFE the poetical literature of the present century has been ransacked and studied from every point of view in order to secure a more unique and brilliant combination of poetical productions than has ever been brought under the notice of the public. Every variety of feeling and sentiment, from the keen pungency of satire and humor to the most touching pathos and heroic patriotism has been fully represented in the most soul-stirring words and exquisite rythms. Many of the pieces, though old and familiar, have fascinated the world by the magnificence of genius displayed in their entrancing harmonies; others though less widely known are attractive and valuable additions to our bouquet of poetry and song, whilst a few choice beauties have been added, which have not before been published. In fact the whole field of poetical literature has been levied upon to produce a work which would not only suit the most varied audiences and diverse tastes, but educate the mind, ennoble the ideas, cultivate the sensibilities, and refine the taste of its readers. From the Old World we have some of the Godlike creations of the immortal Shakespeare, whose works like the stream of inspiration touch the shores of all time; the passionate grandeur and lurid glow of Byron's genius; the exquisite pathos and delicate sensibilities of Shelley; the tender and impassioned beauty of Moore; the canny analysis of character and vivid descriptions of Burns; the far-reaching thought and refined rythm of Tennyson and a host of others who have made the world wiser and happier by their glorious thoughts. From the New World we have the choice productions of Longfellow, Holmes, Emerson, Whittier, Bryant, Halleck, and other giants in literature who have made our republic famous in the world of letters by their pen portraits and life stories told in song. Even far-off Australia has given a few gems to our collection, such as "Ostler Joe," "The Sick Stockman," "The Patriot's Bride," and others. Among the women of genius whose poems enrich our pages we have the names of George Eliot, Jean Ingelow, E. B. Browning, Letitia E. Landon, Julia Ward Howe, Adelaide Anne Procter, F. C. Alexander and many other of the large brained women of the nineteenth century. There is also a sprinkling of prose from some of the master minds of the world. In conclusion we feel justified in saying that this collection contains more instruction, culture and entertainment than any other volume of the same size and price, and as most of the poems are symbolic of the life and destinies of human beings it should be a welcome guest in every household. THE PUBLISHERS. PUBLISHERS' NOTICE. Through the courtesy of Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. of Boston, Mass., who have the copyrights and publish the works of Longfellow, Holmes, Whittier, Lowell, Bayard Taylor, Saxe, Bret Harte, Aldrich, Hawthorne, Trowbridge, Emerson, Stedman, Mrs. Stowe, Alice and Phoebe Cary, Miss Phelps, and others, we are able to add to this collection many of the gems of above named writers. The complete works of any of these writers can be obtained from Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. also indebted to Harper Bros. for selections from Will Carleton's works. We are |