PREFACE: The annotations on the selections in this anthology are designed especially to assist those teachers who have not ready access to reference material and who by force of circumstances must teach many subjects. It is hoped that the notes will both stimulate thought and extend horizons. If the reader does not agree with my interpretations, ''he may find how to agree better with himself. For,'' says F.L. Lucas, ''no one discovers what he really thinks, till he has crossed thoughts with others.''

''No man is an island,'' said John Donne. Consequently, I wish to thank all who have assisted, particularly T. Lovell for many suggestions in the formative stages of the preparation of the manuscript, and my colleagues, M. E. Abey, W. R. Smith, and F. P. Sutherland for valuable comments and generous assistance at all stages. A word of thanks is also due to Claude E. Lewis of the publishers' editorial staff, whose warm interest was most helpful.--C.T.F.