CONTENTS PAGE Early impressions. Aspires after eminence in literature. Youthful ambitions. What poetry is. On his Tales. Literature as a profession. Poetry a passion, not a Autobiographical sketch, sent to Dr. Moore. Boyhood. Early reading. Poverty at home. Begins rhyming. A diligent reader. NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE PAGE As a boy. A literary recluse. "Twice-told Tales." 74 CHARLES DICKENS Hardships as a boy. A little gentleman. A friend in CHARLOTTE BRONTË Loneliness in Brussels. Self-sacrifice. Authorship GEORGE ELIOT No self-denial in genuine virtue. Happiness as an art. 99 121 133 " PAGE "Books which have influenced me.' Sketches his |