Chapter I: Preface

The text of the following essays is taken from the Thistle Edition of Stevenson's _Works_, published by Charles Scribner's Sons, in New York. I have refrained from selecting any of Stevenson's formal essays in literary criticism, and have chosen only those that, while ranking among his masterpieces in style, reveal his personality, character, opinions, philosophy, and faith. In the _Introduction_, I have endeavoured to be as brief as possible, merely giving a sketch of his life, and indicating some of the more notable sides of his literary achievement; pointing out also the literary school to which these Essays belong. A lengthy critical Introduction to a book of this kind would be an impertinence to the general reader, and a nuisance to a teacher. In the _Notes_, I have aimed at simple explanation and some extended literary comment. It is hoped that the general recognition of Stevenson as an English classic may make this volume useful in school and college courses, while it is not too much like a textbook to repel the average reader. I am indebted to Professor Catterall of Cornell and to Professor Cross of Yale, and to my brother the Rev. Dryden W. Phelps, for some assistance in locating references. W.L.P., YALE UNIVERSITY, _13 February 1906_.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

I ON THE ENJOYMENT OF UNPLEASANT PLACES
NOTES

II AN APOLOGY FOR IDLERS
NOTES

III AES TRIPLEX
NOTES

IV TALK AND TALKERS
NOTES

V A GOSSIP ON ROMANCE
NOTES

VI THE CHARACTER OF DOGS
NOTES

VII A COLLEGE MAGAZINE
NOTES

VIII BOOKS WHICH HAVE INFLUENCED ME
NOTES

IX PULVIS ET UMBRA
NOTES