Book excerpt: Excerpt from The Influence of Walter Scott on the Novels of Theodor Fontane The present study owes its origin to a conversation on the German novel Of the nineteenth century which I had with Professor Frederick W. J. Heuser early in 1920. On this occasion Professor Heuser called my attention to a paper written by Dr. Friedrich schonemann in 1915 for the American Modern Language Association entitled Theodor Fontane und England, in which is discussed the influence of certain British novelists on the fiction Of Fontane. This essay formed the starting-point for my investigation. TO 'dr. Schonemann too I am deeply indebted for valuable advice, especially during the early stages Of my work. It is also a particular pleasure to acknowledge here the inestimable as sistance rendered by Miss Bertha E. Trebein, the author of the monograph, Theodor Fontane as a Critic of the Drama. Doctor Trebein, who had access in Berlin to Fontane's um published diaries and letters as well as to the files of various periodicals, has most generously given me the benefit Of her exhaustive research. For information concerning details Of Fontane's works and literary activity I am obliged to the very cordial co-operation Of Mr. Friedrich Fontane, the publisher, a son Of the novelist. More than to anyone, how ever, the successful completion Of this monograph - the difficulty Of which cannot be judged by its length - is due to the fruitful suggestions and the constant, stimulating en couragement of Professor Robert Herndon Fife. Helpful counsel was also given by Professor Heuser and Professor Henry H. L. Schulze. To Professor Fife and to my colleague Dr. Gerhard Baerg Of Wesleyan University, I am indebted for assistance in reading the proof. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.