A PERIODICAL GATHERING, BY THOMAS HOOD. TO WHICH ARE ADDED: "YORK AND LANCASTER" AND "LOST AND FOUND " A FRAGMENT THE "EPPING HUNT" AND "EUGENE ARAM." WITH THE ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR, JOHN LEECH, GEORGE CRUIKSHANK, AND W. HARVEY. LONDON: E. MOXON, SON, & CO., DOVER STREET. PREFACE. THE admirers of Thomas Hood's versatile genius will, it is hoped, find the present volume an acceptable addition to those already issued, containing as it does some remarkable specimens of his writings. The "Dream of Eugene Aram" is given with the original illustrations by the late William Harvey, and the "Epping Hunt," with those by George Cruikshank. The "Whimsicalities" are enriched by the admirable designs of the late John Leech-as well as by some of the author's own quaint drawings. The selection has been made in the belief that the re-issue of these in somewhat of their original form, and with the identical illustrations, would meet with a general welcome. To some they will be as the familiar faces of old friends long passed from sight,-while it is hoped they will be similarly appreciated by new acquaintances. To the above are added, the only two dramatic works extant of Thomas Hood. There is some reason to believe he wrote another short piece, while he materially aided, if he did not entirely write, one or two entertainments for Charles Mathews. But of these no trace remains, and they are doubtless as hopelessly lost as the " copy of the pantomime" for which old Godbee wrote such a pathetic request. Fragments are they, and they bear witness to the skill with which Thomas Hood could have written for the stage, had he turned more attention to it. FRANCES FREELING BRODERIP. Sce "Memorials of Thomas Hood," Chap. I. Ir is proper to state that the majority of the papers in the present Volumes were contributed to the New Monthly Magazine during the Author's late Editorship of that Periodical. Whether they deserved reprinting or repressing, must be determined between the public and the literary Court of Review. As usual, the Reader will vainly look in my pages for any startling theological revelations, profound political |