PREFACE. THIS edition of Hamlet is intended for the special needs of students, but it is hoped that the general reader may find it useful. It will be found to differ from other school editions in four important respects First, The notes, though copious, are all arranged upon the principle of stimulating rather than superseding thought. A glance at any page will show this. Secondly, It gives results of the latest etymological and critical research. Thirdly, It gives the opinions of some of the best critics on almost all disputed interpretations. Fourthly, It presents the best methods of studying English literature by class-exercises, by essays, and by examinations. (See the Appendix.) The editor will be very grateful for any suggestions of errors that may have escaped his notice. HOMER B. SPRAGUE. |