Ruskin's "Sesame and Lilies." The power and charm of Ruskin's writing appears in full measure in these essays.
Carlyle's "Heroes and Hero Worship," especially the chapters on "The Hero as Poet," and "The Hero as Man of Letters."
Shelley's "Defence of Poetry" (edited by Cook, and published by Ginn & Co.) is a literary masterpiece of rare beauty and charm.
Emerson's "Essay on History."
George Willis Cooke, "Poets and Problems" (Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.). The first chapter, "The Poet as Teacher," is very suggestive, while the chapters on Tennyson, Ruskin, and Browning are fine introductions for those who will study the authors themselves.
"The Book Lover," James Baldwin (McClurg & Co.).
Charles Kingsley's "Literary and General Essays" (Macmillan & Co.). Chapter on "English Literature," and others.
Scudder's "Literature in Schools" (Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.). Excellent for teachers.
J. C. Shairp, "On Poetic Interpretation of Nature" (Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.).
Matthew Arnold's "Sweetness and Light."