PREFACE

Several years ago I conceived the idea of introducing Paul Bourget to American students of French Literature. He represents, to my mind, one of the most notable tendencies of our contemporary writers, and he has often been misunderstood and misjudged by the public outside of France. In his own country he has, perhaps, not obtained the favor of the masses ; but, by qualities distinctly his own, he has gained the ear of a sélect audience. It is long since that the interest I felt in him has changed to admiration.

When Paul Bourget recently visited the United States I had the highly valued privilège of meeting him repeatedly, and very naturally mentioned the project I had entertained ; to this he gave his cordial consent; he even promised to Write some pages of original matter for this American édition. The literary autobiography which précèdes the other sélections is the outcome of that promise.

As this book is intended for advanced classes, no grammatical or linguistic notes will be found ; the explanations are chiefly biographical and historical ; their prime object is to make clear Bourget's numerous literary or artistic allusions and références. I hâve added an alphabetical index to thèse notes, because many of the names occur several times ; a bibliography of Bourget's works, and a list of some notable criticisms which they hâve called forth, will be found immediately after the introduction.