Edue T459.16,960 HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY GIFT OF GINN & COMPANY Copyright, 1916 AINSWORTH & COMPANY INTRODUCTION In the preparation of this book the aim of the Editor has been twofold: to introduce to the child some of the great world-stories; and to present these stories in a form so attractive and alluring that the reading of them will encourage and develop good taste, and arouse the desire for a wider acquaintance with the best in literature. It is important that the process of acquiring the art of reading-not as a mechanical art merely, but as an accomplishment-should be rendered to the pupil in as pleasing and as attractive a manner as possible. To arouse and hold the child's interest is today considered the strongest factor in the reading problem. It is necessary, also, that his reading should be of such a nature as will almost unconsciously impress him with the sense of a true and beautiful style. His reading thus becomes a source of intellectual pleasure, by gratifying a taste which it serves to create. And, more obviously still, it is of the utmost consequence in educational work, that the heart should be addressed as well as the intellect, and that the development of the moral affections should go hand in hand with the culture of the mind. The selections here presented are of varied char |