Public and parlor readings; prose and poetry, for the use of reading clubs and for public and social entertainment

Front matter

UBLIC

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AR LOR READINGS

Preface

IN my position as teacher of elocution, I have been the recipient of numerous letters from amateur Keaders, members of literary clubs, and others, asking me to name some piece appropriate to a given occasion. Teachers have desired choice readings for school exhibitions. My own public entertainments have been followed by verbal or written requests for copies of selections which excited the interest of hearers. Such appeals were usually for pieces which were not common or familiar, and of which I possessed perhaps but a manuscript copy. I was therefore put to the task of transcribing the desired pieces over and over again, or forced to the ungracious duty of denying the very proper request, for want of time to comply with it. These solicitations were very frequently accompanied by offers of compensation ; but manifestly no price could be set on what — though costing much time and trouble when so multiplied — was in any individual case a mere courtesy. I was led, therefore, to think that a book made up in the main of selections which had proved entertaining to- public audiences, or literary or social circles, might be acceptable to the public at large.

IV PREFACE.

The unexpectedly cordial welcome extended to my first volume — Humorous Eeadings — encourages me to follow out my intentions by adding the present one. The selections herein are mostly of a serious character, — patriotic, pathetic, tragic, — with now and then the contrast of a lively narrative or choice bit of humor. While a few established favorites are included in this collection, by far the largest part is made up of pieces not to be found in any other compilation. My object has been, not to furnish a volume of familiar elegant extracts for the student, or rhetorical compositions for declaimers, but to bring together mostly fresh and rare productions which afford gratification when read or recited aloud. I trust that the volume may prove serviceable in promoting intelligent recreation in the social and public assembly.

In compliance with many requests it is my purpose, in completing the series, to prepare a volume of fresh and sparkling dialogues and brief dramas.

I thankfully acknowledge the courtesy of the distinguished authors and publishers, by whose consent copyright selections have been used in these pages. I am particularly indebted to Messrs. J. E. Osgood & Co. for permission to use extracts from their editions of the works of leading American authors.

L. B. M.