Tales and Novels — Volume 2
Apr 2018 · CLASSICS TO GO · Otbebookpublishing
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "PREFACE. Some author says, that a good book needs no apology; and, as a preface is usually an apology, a book enters into the world with a better grace without one. I, however, appeal to those readers who are not gluttons, but epicures, in literature, whether they do not wish to see the bill of fare? I appeal to monthly critics, whether a preface that gives a view of the pretensions of the writer is not a good thing? The author may overvalue his subject, and very naturally may overrate the manner in which it is treated; but still he will explain his views, and facilitate the useful and necessary art which the French call reading with the thumb. We call this hunting a book, a term certainly invented by a sportsman. I leave the reader to choose which he pleases, whilst I lay before him the contents and design of these volumes..."
About the author
Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849) was a pioneering Anglo-Irish writer whose works bridged the gap between 18th-century Enlightenment ideals and 19th-century Romanticism. Born in Oxfordshire, England, and later moving to Ireland, Edgeworth was deeply influenced by her father, Richard Lovell Edgeworth, an inventor and educational reformer. Her upbringing in a progressive household imbued her with a keen interest in social issues, education, and gender equality, themes that permeate her extensive body of work.Edgeworth's novels and stories are celebrated for their vivid characterizations and incisive social commentary. She was a trailblazer in children's literature, with works like "The Parent's Assistant" setting new standards for the genre. Her adult fiction, including "Castle Rackrent" and "Belinda," tackled complex issues such as class disparity, colonialism, and women's rights, making her one of the first novelists to address these topics with nuance and empathy.Her influence extended to contemporaries and later writers, including Sir Walter Scott, who credited her with inspiring his own historical novels. Despite her acclaim, Edgeworth was not without controversy; her depictions of Irish life and characters were sometimes criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, reflecting the complexities of her Anglo-Irish identity.Maria Edgeworth's legacy endures as a writer who not only entertained but also provoked thought and debate, challenging her readers to reconsider their views on society and morality. Her innovative spirit and commitment to social progress continue to resonate, making her a figure of enduring relevance in literary history.
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