Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ...that he must have foreseen, weighed and rejected is perhaps unnecessary. At the same time, since every editor of an anthology exposes himself to a bombardment concerning omitted "favorites," I had as well mention mine--with the proviso that I shall try to make out a case for their representative character. From Vigny, it seems that the part of L'Esprit Pur which shows his proud devotion to intellectuality might well have been given; it is true that Professor Henning has granted us portions of La Bouteille a la Merj but he would allow, I think, to the first poem a keener "note," a more personal fervor in the cause proclaimed in its title. The wide and happy choice from Hugo leaves still a little doubt as to whether his range as a technical virtuoso is sufficiently exemplified. Nothing given would show this power so well as the omitted Guitare (" Gastibelza, l'homme a la carabine ") or Les Djinns. Were these too hackneyed (cf. the editor's wise word on this, p. v), or does Mr. Henning consider that mere technical dexterity needs no emphasis? A clearer case is the omission of anything that would illustrate Musset's true light songquality. Why not the Chanson de Barberine, Adieu, Suzon, or even "Ninon, Ninon, que fais-tu de la vie?" (The piece called Chanson and Rappelle-Toi--both given--have not this light lilt.) Finally, I am certain that Sully Prudhomme should be represented by one of his sadder, more personal love-poems, such as Soupir or Inquietude. As to all the others, and especially Lamartine, Baudelaire and Heredia, Mr. Henning's choice seems nearly perfect. The hand that has picked with such sureness two hundred gems may certainly be allowed a little wavering. The notes are appropriately less...
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