Granger's Preface

Edith Granger's preface to the first edition of Granger's Index to Poetry and Recitations (1904)

In this book are indexed the contents of three hundred and sixty-nine volumes, comprising standard and popular collections of poetry, recitations (both prose and verse), orations drills, dialogues, selections from dramas, etc., all in print at the time of compilation and the majority to be found on the shelves of any good-sized public library. The list includes over thirty thousand titles.

The Index does not claim to list all recitations extant, but few popular ones will be sought in vain; and beyond this, the collections indexed include many books and selections useful to study clubs, teachers, and students of all ages. The scope of the book has thus reached out far beyond the original intentions, and it is hoped that its value has been correspondingly increased thereby. It has been the endeavor to trace selections to their sources where means were available, and to indicate the correct title among several when possible.

An Appendix has been added, which will be of especial use to teachers and pupils. This Appendix gives lists of selections suitable for Arbor Day, Lincoln's Birthday, and other special days; also lists of drills, tableaux, etc. titles pertaining to noted personages, and temperance selections.

In spite of precautions, errors will doubtless be found, and exact information correcting them will be gratefully received, and will be utilized in future editions of the Index.

Acknowledgment is hereby made to all who, directly or indirectly, have been of assistance to the editor in the long and arduous but interesting task; particularly to Mr. P.W. Coussens, who made a first draught of what was later to be developed into the detailed work.

E.G.

Chicago, July 1, 1904.