[314] Everywhere a favorite. It opens up wide regions of imagination. Ruskin says he read it many times when he might have been better employed, and crosses it from his list. But the very fact that he read the book so often shows that even his deep mind found irresistible attraction in it. (First introduced into Europe in 17th cent.)
[315] The most colossal lies known to science. (Ger., 18th cent.)
[316] The poem of "Beowulf" should be looked into by all who wish to know the character of the men from whom we sprang, and therefore realize the basic elements of our own character. (Eng., early Saxon times.)
[317] Should be glanced at for the light it throws on English history and development. (9th-12th cents.)
[318] Froissart's "Chronicles" constitute a graphic story of the States of Europe from 1322 to the end of the 14th century. Scott said that Froissart was his master. Breadth demands at least a glance at the old itinerant tale-gatherer. Note especially the great rally of the rebels of Ghent.
[319] This masterpiece of Old German Minstrelsy is too much neglected by us. Read it with the three preceding. (Early German.)
[320] Saga means "tale" or "narrative," and is applied in Iceland to every kind of tradition, true or fabulous. Read the "Heimskringla," Njal's Saga, and Grettir's Saga, (9th-13th cents.)
[321] Along with the last should be read the poems of the elder Edda. (Compiled by Samund the Wise, 12th cent.)
[322] The epic of Spain, containing a wonderful account of the prowess of a great leader and chief. (Spain, before the 13th cent.)