These Handbooks are reprints of the prefaces or introductions tothe large catalogues of the chief divisions of works of art in theMuseum at South Kensington; arranged and so far abridged as tobring each into a portable shape. The Lords of the Committee ofCouncil on Education having determined on the publication ofthem, the editor trusts that they will meet the purpose intended;namely, to be useful, not alone for the collections at SouthKensington but for other collections, by enabling the public ata trifling cost to understand something of the history and characterof the subjects treated of.

The authorities referred to by the authors will be found namedin the large catalogues; where are also given detailed descriptions ofthe very numerous examples in the South Kensington Museum.