SPECIMENS WITH MEMOIRS OF THE LESS-KNOWN BRITISH POETS.

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With an Introductory Essay,

BY THE REV. GEORGE GILFILLAN.

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IN THREE VOLS.

VOL. I.

M.DCCC.LX.




INTRODUCTORY ESSAY


We propose to introduce our 'Specimens' by a short Essay on the Origin
and Progress of English Poetry on to the days of Chaucer and of Gower.
Having called, in conjunction with many other critics, Chaucer 'the
Father of English Poetry,' to seek to go back further may seem like
pursuing antenatal researches. But while Chaucer was the sun, a certain
glimmering dawn had gone before him, and to reflect that, is the object
of the following pages.