1
This essay owes its origin to Leo Tolstoy's desire to contribute a preface to the article he here mentions by Ernest Crosby, which latter follows in this volume. – (Trans.)
2
"Shakespeare and His Writings," by George Brandes.
3
A Russian poet, remarkable for the delicacy of his works.
4
Besides the prefaces here referred to, Mr. G. Bernard Shaw has at various times written other articles on the subject. – (V. T.)
5
It should be borne in mind that this letter was written before Mr. G. B. Shaw had seen the essay in question, by Tolstoy, now published in this volume. – (V. T.)