German Prose Composition: Introductory Hints, Rules, Examples, and Exercises, Selected Passages from Standard English Authors with Explanatory Notes and and English-German Vocabulary

From the Preface:

THE introduction and introductory exercises are intended to familiarise the student with the chief differences of English and German construction. Foremost amongst these is the difference in the order of words in principal sentences and dependent clauses. To impress this cardinal difference on the pupil, the first exercises are given in a twofold form: first, exclusively in principal and co-ordinate sentences; and next, in principal sentences combined with relative and dependent clauses. Teachers may find it useful to analyze some of the succeeding exercises in a similar way, especially with pupils whose knowledge of English syntax is limited. To them I should recommend, as a most helpful auxiliary, the late Professor W, D. Whitney's Essentials of English Grammar, or Professor John Earle's Simple Grammar of English Now in Use.

Another great difficulty in translating from English into German is the rendering of the Attributes of the substantive. This matter I have treated at some length in the Introduction, and shown by warning examples into what enormities even German translators of reputation have been led, and suggested easy means of how to avoid them.

The English participial constructions and contracted sentences, though treated at sufficient length in my Public School German Grammar, receive some further elucidation. As this subject is inexhaustible, teachers will find ample additional material in the two English Grammars mentioned above.

A few of the Introductory Exercises consist of detached sentences, as there would have been little use in giving a long extract, containing perhaps only one or two instances of the construction required.

I have taken great care in compiling the Vocabulary. In many instances where the student will perhaps look in vain for a footnote, he will find the information sought for in the Vocabulary.

In conclusion I have to thank the several publishers and authors, or their respective representatives, for having granted me permission to reprint extracts from their works: Messrs. Blackwood and Son (George Eliot, A. W. Kinglake); Messrs. Chatto and Windus (Justin M'Carthy); the Clarendon Press (Bishop Stubbs); Messrs. Longmans and Co. (H. T. Buckle, W. E. H. Lecky, J. A. Froude); Messrs. Macmillan and Co. (C. Kingsley, Sir A. Geikie, T. Huxley, P. G. Hamerton); Mr. John Murray (Dean Stanley, Lord Mahon) ; Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co. (Sir A. Helps, Rev. John Earle).

Their kindness has enabled me to collect a series of extracts in modern English, presenting both a great variety of interest and form.