is genial reception, ascribes it partly to the fact that his story
contains no word or thought disloyal to its birthright in the fairest
county of England.

[Illustration: autograph.jpg]

January, 1873.

PUBLISHERS' PREFACE

In putting this new and somewhat elaborate edition of "Lorna Doone" upon
a market already supplied with various others, some of them excellent
in quality, we ask the literary men and women of the country to give us
their kind support for the reasons set forth herewith.

In the first place, it seems to us that of the countless thousands of
books that have been written in all the various languages, and during
the many ages since first man took to scribbling, no one has ever
yet appeared which is the equal of this in its delicate and beautiful
touches of both nature and human nature. We have had, in various ways,
abundant proof that our feeling in this respect is not individual to
ourselves, and we desire to thank heartily the many friends who have
sent us their words and letters of encouragement, sympathy, and interest
during the past year as they have by chance become aware of our plans.

While there were creditable editions already published, the fact that
none existed just such as we ourselves wished for our own library was
our primary incentive in undertaking this task. The labor upon which
we entered was in short, one of love, and great as has been the
expenditure of time, trouble, and money in the preparation of this book,
we have faith to believe that there are a sufficient number of lovers of
the peerless maiden, _Lorna_, to greet her appearance in this new dress
with an enthusiasm that will in time repay us.

We earnestly hope that our judgment in the selection of artists, means,
and materials has been, in the main, at least, wise, and that such, will
be the verdict of book-lovers. Also, we hope that our lack of experience
as publishers will disarm the critic, and that he will examine the book
regarding only the excellences which he may find, and passing over its
defects.

One special feature we wish particularly to call to the attention of
all, and that is the beautiful map of the country we have introduced.
This may be regarded by some as an innovation in a romance, but we
hope that it will be found such a manifest convenience as to be its own
sufficient excuse.

In this place it seems to be a duty, also, to call attention to the
sympathizing and intelligent interest that h