When, some two years ago a collection of Atlantic essays was offered to the public, it was the
editor's idea that this volume should be, to use the current phrase, a kind of permanent exhibit of the
character and quality of The Atlantic. In these hurrying days, even the sedatest of magazines must
quicken its pace to keep abreast of the marching world, and much that is most serviceable in The
Atlantic during its appointed life dies at the heart when a new number brings fresh interests to men's
minds. But a residue there is, no more useful at the time, perhaps, than much which perishes, but
which evidently ought to have such length of days as the covers of a book can ensure for it. The
experiment was made with the first volume of Atlantic Classics, composed of sixteen essays, by as
many authors, all dealing with topics of more than temporary interest. The success of this book,
which has been many times reprinted, outstripped anticipation; more than that, it assumed a
character quite unlooked for, and proceeded, on its own account, to introduce itself into the curricula
of colleges and high schools throughout the country, welcomed, as the editor is credibly informed, by
students as well as by teachers.
Even a layman can see that in such a use there is a sound development. A book of
contemporary expression, exhilarating to the student and knitting his interests to those of the world
outside the schoolroom, may be peculiarly suited to call forth his appreciation and to kindle
emulation within him. Such a book may teach him to think of literature as a living thing, quite as

alive and full of spirit as he is himself, and by such method, perhaps, tender shoots of young
intelligence may be spared the blighting influence of too formal education.