The present volume contains all the stories and verses for children which we know Charles and Mary Lamb to have written. The text is that of the first or second editions, as explained in the Notes. The Poetry for Children and Prince Dorus have been set up from the late Andrew W. Tuer's facsimiles. The large edition of this volume contains all the original pictures, together with the apochryphal Beauty and the Beast.

In Mr. Bedford's design for the cover of this edition certain Elian symbolism will be found. The upper coat of arms is that of Christ's Hospital, where Lamb was at school; the lower is that of the Inner Temple, where he was born and spent many years. The figures at the bells are those which once stood out from the faÇade of St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet Street, and are now in Lord Londesborough's garden in Regent's Park. Lamb shed tears when they were removed. The tricksy sprite and the candles (brought by Betty) need no explanatory words of mine.

E.V.L.