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Book

OF

THE

ELEGANT EXTRACTS.

"This field is so spacious, that it were easy for a man to lose himself in it: and if I should spend all my pilgrimage in this walk, my time would sooner end than my way."

Bishop Hall.

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A

BOOK of Elegant Extracts bears its own recommendation

in its title. As a commonplace - book of selections from the writings of the great authors whose names adorn English literature, it must ever be a welcome guest to those who have a spare hour, or who desire to pass an interval of leisure pleasantly and profitably. No particular plan has been pursued in the arrangement of this volume. The value of such a book lies rather in the choice, than the order, of its matter: and if, as it is hoped, the former be approved, the disregard of the latter may be found to afford a not displeasing variety. Perhaps no better word could be spoken for a collection like the present, than this of Coleridge's "Why are not more gems from our great authors scattered over the country? Great books are not in everybody's reach; and though it is better to know them thoroughly than to know them only here and there, yet it is a good work to give a little to those who have neither time nor means to get more."

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