to embrace all the objects in contestation, and to give general satisfaction. But ask me not if I expect such a thing, or from what quarter it may come.

I am,

Sir,

Your most Obedient Servant,

A COSMOPOLITE.

PREFACE.

THE following account of books was written a few

years since in a letter to a lady, for the purpose of pointing out to her those books that might be most proper for her closet. I could then have enlarged the plan without difficulty; a principal effort was to keep it within due bounds. It was formed entirely from recollection and therefore it is possible that there may be many authors omitted which might be read with pleasure and profit, but there are none, I feel certain, recommended, from which neither can be derived.

Shakespeare has raised the English Theatre to a pitch of glory which that of no other nation has reached, but from him to the second class of Dramatic writers, there is a dreadful descent. The comedies of Congreve, though sparkling with wit, cannot be recommended for the library of a lady: the licence of the stage at the period in which he wrote was too great. The Comedies of Sir John Vanbrugh and Cibber are among our best.

I have mentioned scarce any poets of the second class, because mediocrity in poetry is less supportable than any other kind of writing; and because many books that may be read with amusement, yet do not deserve a place in a select and small library: for that reason, almost all novels are rejected.

In English History, I am far from offering Rapin and Tindal as elegant writers, but Rapin is the only author who has given a just idea of our government. He is moreover rich in facts, and may be depended on: he quotes all his authorities in his margin, which may be used as a valuable guide to the original authors, state papers, &c. Tindal, taking up the thread where Rapin leaves off, gives a faithful gazette of occurrences for the period to which his continuation extends.

In French History I have recommended Velley instead of Mezerai, though the latter is the more celebrated Historian; but his style is old and not pleasing; the former too, with a continuation by other hands, embraces a much larger period.

Buffon's Natural History is far superior to all others, and, at the same time very entertaining; written with great vivacity and elegance, as well as knowledge of his subject. He possessed too much fancy and taste, not to scatter flowers over the most barren part of it.

London,

July 30th. 1813.

THE AUTHOR.