volumes, while appealing to the literary reader, will never- 

 theless, it is hoped, in the inherent attractiveness and variety 

 of their contents, appeal successfully and at once to the in- 

 terest of readers of all classes. Starting from the early periods 

 of each literature — in Italy, for instance, from the fourteenth 

 century, with Boccaccio, Sacchetti, and Parabosco; in France 

 with the amusing Fabliaux of the thirteenth century ; in Germany 

 from Hans Sachs; characteristic sketches, stories, and extracts 

 from contemporary European and other writers whose genius is 

 especially that of humour or esprit will be givea Indicating 

 and suggesting a view and treatment of national life from a 

 particular standpoint, each volume will contain matter suggestive 

 of the development of a special and important phase of national 

 spirit and character, — namely, the humorous. Proverbs and 

 maxims, folk-wit, and folk-tales notable for their pith and humour, 

 will have their place; the eccentricities of modern newspaper 

 humour will not be overlooked. Each volume will be well and 

 copiously illustrated ; in many cases artists of the nationalities of 

 the literatures represented will illustrate the volumes. To each 

 volume will be prefixed an Introduction critically disengaging and 

 marking the qualities and phases of the national humour dealt 

 with ; and to each will be appended Notes, biographical and 

 explanatory. 



