this essay were a more worthy result of his influence.

CLARE HOWARD


BARNARD COLLEGE, NEW YORK

_October_ 1913

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INTRODUCTION


Among the many didactic books which flooded England in the sixteenth and
seventeenth centuries were certain essays on travel. Some of these have
never been brought to light since their publication more than three
hundred years ago, or been mentioned by the few writers who have
interested themselves in the literature of this subject. In the
collections of voyages and explorations, so often garnered, these have
found no place. Most of them are very rare, and have never been
reprinted. Yet they do not deserve to be thus overlooked, and in several
ways this survey of them will, I think, be useful for students of
literature.

They reveal a widespread custom among Elizabethan and Jacobean
gentlemen, of completing their education by travel. There are scattered