Originally published in 1903. PREFACE: To bring the book within the limits of class room use not a few omissions have been found necessary. Great care has been taken, however, to preserve intact the thread of the story, and, of the numerous digressions, to keep at least enough to show the authors style and special characteristics. Accordingly, no change has been made in the original division into books and chapters; where, as in a very few cases, a chapter has had to be omitted, a short synopsis of it has been given. The editor has endeavoured in the notes to explain the many allusions of the text. This is a fascinating novel of the period and still an interesting read today. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
