Excerpt
The name of Barrett Wendell belongs to the literary tradition of America and needs no memorials to ensure its enduring place in that tradition. The present volume, therefore, was not conceived with the thought of adding lustre to the name which will be remembered long after these essays are forgotten. This memorial is rather the expression of a desire on the part of some of those most closely associated with him to express their admiration and affection for the man. Composed only of contributions from Mr. Wendell's former assistants in his courses at Harvard, the present volume, it is believed, is unique among such tributes. The group of contributors is a small circle indeed, only one of many that would be honored to pay homage to the great teacher. But through more than thirty years Mr. Wendell's relations with his successive assistants were peculiarly intimate; the companionship which he gave to those working with him was an inspiration. It is, therefore, appropriate for them to commemorate their gratitude for his abiding influence.
W. R. CASTLE, JR.
PAUL KAUFMAN
Easter, 1926.