AN IMPORTANT LITERARY WORK.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 17 August 1901, Page 2

AN IMPORTANT LITERARY WORK.

Residents of New Zealand now have an opportunity to secure the “Library of Famous Literature,” which, has recently mot with such success through the enterprise of The Standard in London. This work, which in 20 volumes, was compiled under the editorial direction of Dr Richard Garnett, C. 8., whoso 50 years’ connection with the British Museum—2o of which as Keeper of Printed Books entitled him to undertake such a work, by reason of the broad learning which he is well known to possess.

It would bo quite possible to make a collection of exquisite literary productions, which would, however, but afford an inadequate and qui-e misleading conception of the distinctive spirit of a literature. An excellent selection might also be confined to the literature of a single country. But the projec ors of the “Library of Famous Literature” have hr ikon through these limitations. They have not been content with merely reproducing pieces whoso classic merit has

won for them a place in every anthology. Without excluding these, or derogating in any way from a high standard of merit, they have sought to illustrate the characteristic expression of the literary spirit in all ages and in all countries. In a word, the “ Library of Famous Literature ” is one of the most remarkable contemporary examples of the cosmopolitan spirit which is beginning to pervade the civilised world ; rendering, without prejudice to individuality or nationality, all countries, in a sense, but provinces of one common country.

The success of this work in England last year caused the publishers to arrange for the reservation of a certain portion of the edition for distribution in New Zealand, There are now available for those who apply promptly. Both the low prices and the easy terms of payment should recommend themselves to those who value good books.