This book in its first form was written nearly twenty years ago with the intention of contributing a volume to a series of University Extension Manuals.

For that purpose it included a sketch of Ruskin's "Work," with some attempt to describe the continuous development of his thought.

It had the advantage--and the disadvantage--of being written under his eye; that is to say, he saw as much of it as his health allowed; and it received his general approval.
To explain my venturing upon the subject at all, I may perhaps be allowed to state that I became his pupil in 1872 (having seen him earlier), and continued to be in some relation to him--as visitor, resident assistant, or near neighbour--until his death.
After his death the biographical part of my book was enlarged at the expense of the description of his writings; and in revising once more I have thrown out much relating to his works, chiefly because they are now accessible as they were not formerly.
W.G.C.
CONISTON, May 1911 CONTENTS BOOK I THE BOY POET (1819-1842) CHAPTER I.HIS ANCESTORS II.

THE FATHER OF THE MAN (1819-1825) III.

PERFERVIDUM INGENIUM (1826-1830) IV.