PREFATORY NOTE
TO THOREAU
Other names in Learning s page,
Brighter, in their day, than thine,
But ill withstand the test of age;
While thy renown has brighter grown,
And other ages than thine own
Resound thy praise unstintedly.
Henry D. Thoreau has attained to such an exalted position in the ranks of American authors that it seems quite needless for us to extol his virtues at this time. It may be remarked, however, that although Thoreau's genius has long been recognized abroad, and a secure place has by popular acclaim been accorded to him among the immortals in literature, there has been a tendency in some foreign quarters to place him foremost amongst American writers. In a letter, dated July 20, 1905, written from London, Doctor Garnett says:
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