PREFACE

THE text of the present edition of the Sketch Book is exactly like that of the author's revised edition, except that modern standards have been followed in the matter of spelling and punctuation. As the book is intended for younger as well as older students, the notes are rather full, and therefore should be used with discretion. Among them will be found critical remarks on the author's style. These have been inserted because the sketches are of special value in connection with the study of English composition. All the footnotes referring to the text are Irving's. In the preparation of this edition help has been received in the form of criticism, and occasionally a valuable suggestion has been found in the work of some other editor. Many of the books used are named in the "Suggestions for Students," but special mention should be made of Charles Dudley Warner's works relating to Irving, and of the Life and Letters of Washington Irving, by his nephew, Pierre M. Irving.

BOSTON, February, 1901.

EN BUSTER FEB 3 1942