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The present text was chosen for an annotated edition as being both good literature and good material for learning Spanish. It is hoped that the experience of those who may use the book will justify the choice. It is intended more particularly to follow the study of a reader or its equivalent; but there is no reason why it should not adapt itself to other stages of Spanish study, according as longer or shorter recitations are assigned, and more or less aid given by the instructor.

The purpose of the introduction is simply to "introduce" the student to the author and his work, to convey some idea of their importance and to incite to further acquaintance with both. Nevertheless I believe that scholars will welcome the new information on the life of Sr. Valdés.

The text is that of the sole Spanish edition (Madrid, 1885), the new edition in the Obras Completas now in course of publication not having yet appeared. I have, however, beside correction of errata, changed two words and omitted ten to better adapt the text for class use.

In the notes I have aimed to explain all serious difficulties. With their aid and that of grammar and dictionary the student should be able to present a correct translation. I have, however, by no means exhausted possibilities in annotation, believing that the reading of a text should not be a mere recitation, preferring that the interested student should have an opportunity to exercise his ability and apply the knowledge already acquired, and holding also that many explanations are better retained when given orally by the teacher to his class.

I am happy to acknowledge here the generous aid of Professor W. H. Fraser of the University of Toronto, who examined the MS. of the notes and offered numerous valuable suggestions, not a few of which have been adopted, and also, and most particularly my debt of gratitude to the author of José, who so kindly accorded his sanction to this edition, who placed at my disposal hitherto unpublished biographical data, who furnished me some information otherwise inaccessible, and who by his friendly encouragement stimulated me to the completion of my work.

F. J. A. D.

Stanford University, California,

Jan. 10, 1900.

Note to Edition of 1909.—A vocabulary has been added in response to a considerable demand. Miss Alice P. F. Hubbard, of the University of Texas, kindly undertook the making of this vocabulary, from which I was prevented by pressure of other work. I have, however, revised the MS. and read the proof, and can heartily commend Miss Hubbard's work to users of this book. Text and notes have also been revised and a few errors eliminated.

Since the appearance of the first edition Señor Valdés has produced two excellent novels: La Aldea Perdida, and Tristán, o el Pesimismo, and a series of his Obras Completas is now in course of publication. The list of studies on this author has also increased, and for additional bibliography I take the liberty of referring to the scholarly edition of La Alegría del Capitán Ribot by Messrs. Morrison and Churchman (D. C. Heath & Co.).

F. J. A. D.

University of Toronto.