Meaning: The quote provided is from the author Hervey Allen. It speaks to the context in which the material for a particular volume was gathered, highlighting the relative youth of the continent being discussed and the limited historical and cultural background in certain areas. It also emphasizes that the section from which the material was collected was among the first to be colonized.

Hervey Allen was an American author, poet, and educator known for his historical novels and poetry. His works often explored themes of history, culture, and the human experience. The quote in question likely pertains to one of his literary works or research projects that involved gathering and documenting historical or cultural material from a specific region.

The quote suggests that the continent being referenced is relatively new in terms of settlement and colonization. It indicates that in such a context, there are parts of the continent that lack extensive historical or cultural background. This may be due to factors such as limited time since initial settlement, displacement or marginalization of indigenous cultures, or the relative youth of recorded history in the region.

The phrase "the material for this volume has been gathered from a section that was one of the first to be colonized" points to a specific area within the continent that was among the earliest to undergo colonization. This implies that the region has a longer history of human presence and cultural development compared to other parts of the continent. The use of the word "colonized" also suggests the impact of European colonial expansion, which often brought significant cultural and societal changes to the colonized regions.

From a historical perspective, this quote raises questions about the impact of colonization on the development and preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Colonization often led to the imposition of new cultural, social, and political systems on indigenous populations, resulting in the displacement or suppression of existing traditions and historical narratives. This context may have influenced the availability and accessibility of historical and cultural background in the region discussed by Allen.

The quote's mention of "little historical or cultural background" in many parts of the continent reflects the complexities of historical preservation and documentation in colonial contexts. It suggests that efforts to gather and document historical and cultural material may face challenges in regions where indigenous traditions were disrupted or marginalized by colonial powers.

In summary, Hervey Allen's quote provides insight into the context of gathering material for a specific volume, highlighting the relative youth of the continent, the limited historical and cultural background in certain areas, and the early colonization of the specific section from which the material was gathered. This quote prompts reflection on the impact of colonization on historical and cultural preservation, as well as the challenges and opportunities inherent in documenting the heritage of recently settled regions.