PREFACE. THE HE selection of the names of the master-minds of the last two centuries in the world's progress, is in itself a task of no small difficulty. Many of the noble workers whose objects have been the enlightenment and the happiness of the human race have been so bound together in their labors that they have in a measure ceased to exist as individuals. All the honors that were theirs have been merged in the common stock of praise due to their profession. Any great movement either seeks its leaders, or is itself caused by the energy and determination of one or more master spirits; and it is to those master spirits that posterity joins in doing honor. If in these pages the reader fails to find the name of some favorite writer, composer, artist, or inventor, let him feel sure that the omission was made with reluctance on the part of the editors of this book. For example, we all know the great influence of Italy upon the musical standards of to-day; but that influence belongs rather to a school of composers than to individuals. So that while no names have been made prominent, the excellence of Italian music and its world-wide influence have received repeated acknowledgment. 290320 The demand for books upon special subjects is too well known to need statement. Many times have we found ourselves hampered by want of information such as is contained in the following pages. At first, it was proposed to give a brief sketch of all the great names in literature and art; but such a work proved impracticable; and it was decided to cull out only such names as might be considered representative in their nature. The lives and works of master-minds are of an educational value, and it is especially for those devoted to the great cause of education that this book has been prepared. At the same time, we trust that the general reader may find it possible to glean valuable information from its pages. |