I have also to draw the notice of the reader to the Appendices at the end of this volume, which enter into the bibliographical and other history of the book, and to mention that I am greatly indebted to the Rev. Dr. Bandinel, the venerable Librarian of the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and also to my friends, the Rev. Alfred Hackman, M.A., Precentor of Christ Church, and the Rev. John S. Sidebotham, M.A., Chaplain of New College, and Preacher at St. Martin’s, Carfax, Oxford, for much valuable assistance in searching for Eulenspiegel literature amidst the treasures contained in that valuable library.
This is all, I think, which need here be said touching the task I have here completed; for the reader need not be asked to appreciate the artistic skill of my friend and coadjutor, Mr. Alfred Crowquill. If the reader does but experience in the perusal of this singular book—practically the first English edition of it—one tithe of the pleasure I have had in preparing it, all that was to be accomplished will have been duly fulfilled.
35, Bernard Street, Russell Square, W.C. _October 3, 1859._
Introduction to the Literature of Europe, vol. i. p. 235 (Library ed.); vol. i. p. 240 (Cabinet ed.).
Matter of doubt to the present writer whether it be thus superior; in any case, it would be scarcely so interesting to people now-a-days. But see the Appendix.
Bouterwek, in his “History of German Poetry and Eloquence” (_Geschichte der deutschen Poesie und Beredsamkeit_), vol. ix. p. 336, confirms the observations of Hallam, and lends additional testimony to the popularity of the Eulenspiegel. Adolf Rosen von Kreutzheim, in the Preface to his poem, the _Esel-König_ (Ass-King), alludes to the general dispersion of Eulenspiegel, Marcolphus, Katziporo, and other works, and abuses them in set terms as shameful, mischievous, and dangerous.
History of German Fiction, vol. ii. p. 298.
An Howleglass is mentioned as being in the library of a Captain Cox. On which, see the Appendix, p. 221.
Carlyle, Miscellaneous Essays, Edition 1857, Vol. II. pp. 287–288.
THE INTRODUCTION TOUCHING MASTER TYLL OWLGLASS 1
I.—How Tyll Owlglass was born, and was on one day three times christened 2
II.—How that Owlglass when that he was a child did give a marvellous answer to a man that asked the way 3