"Who and what."

Preface

As the "dear public" usually expects a preface, I take pleasure in being able to gratify it, — and also myself, — by offering a few words in explanation of my book and the plan on which it is written. •' Who and What" was begun some ten or twelve years ago, and the questions were written down from time to time as I came across them in my reading, and were added to as I grew in years and understanding by others of a like character. This was done without the remotest idea of publication, but simply to take the place, for my own gratification, of an encyclopaedia, of which I greatly felt the need. These questions were shown to friends occasionally, and always seemed to give them so much pleasure, that about a year ago the idea first presented itself to me of giving my work to the public, believing that it would impart to the many as much pleasure and real information as it had given the few. I wish to acknowledge most gratefully the lasting benefit that many authors have been to me, and to add that in compiling from them I have done so nearly always in their own language when I have taken their account alone. I have endeavored to abridge as much as possible, in order to make my descriptions concise and never tiresome.

I am particularly indebted to "Rollin's Outlines of Ancient and Modern History," Cleveland's series of American and English Literatures, Miss Tytler on

PREFACE.

"Modern Art" and the "Old Masters," " Lippincott's Pronouncing Biographical Dictionary," and to Appleton's new and valuable "American Encyclopaedia," for information desired ; and for the cordial manner with which permission has been granted me to use these books, and others, — for which credit will be given in the right place, — I here express my thanks and appreciation.

ANNAH DE PUI MILLER.

Carlisle, Pa., 1877.