XVIII INTRODUCTION.

nor expense in their effort to make it as nearly perfect as a book of the kind can be
made. ‘The selection of pieces from many distinguished writers, embracing subjects in
History, Biography, Travel and Adventure, and added to these, sketches of many men
who have been eminent in business, and of the means by which their success was
achieved, and besides not a few of the choice poems of our language, reflects great credit
upon the judgment and taste of the compilers; and the beautiful illustrations with which
the book so richly abounds give to it increased charm and value. While these hand-
some pages, by their pictures and literary matter, will engage the eye, improve the
taste, quicken the intellect, arouse the fancy and imagination, amusing and entertaining,
and at the same time stirring and inspiring the noblest aspirations of youthful readers,
_ the utmost care has been taken that not a blush should be brought to the cheek of the most
modest, nor a stain left in the memory of the most pure. It is hoped that this book will
be a God-send to hosts of young people throughout this wide country, not only in the
populous sections of our great country, but where books are scarce and libraries cannot
be reached—on the plains of Texas and Dakota, and on the slopes of the Rocky Moun-
tains and the Sierra Nevada—among the mining camps, and on broad ranches—as well
as in new towns and villages springing up as by magic in our new West. Between its
covers are garnered truths, sentiments, imaginings, happy turns of expression, brilliant |
word-pictures and inspiring suggestions, that well read and pondered by those for whom |
it is especially intended, will bring abundant recompense, and the recollection of them |
will ‘Flash upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude.’? Although the vol- |
ume has been prepared for young people, those of riper years will find much in it to
attract and benefit them, much that will delight and reward. Coleridge once stopped
at a wayside inn, and picked up in the sitting-room a well-worn copy of the Vicar of ;
Wakefield, and as he looked over its oft-turned pages, exclaimed, ‘‘This is fame.’’ I
the trust that the “Stories for Little Men and Women ”’ will gain fame like that, find a
hearty welcome in many homes, and win its way to the admiration and love o
thousands, both old and young, awakening a taste for reading, fixing the habit and
remunerating all who turn its leaves, it is now sent forth upon its errand.

WILLIAM HENRY MILBURN.