TO THE PUBLIC.
“Books that you may carry to the fire, and hold readily in your hand,
are the most useful after all. A man will often look at them, and be
tempted to go on, when he would have been frightened at books of a larger
size, and of a more erudite appearance.”
—Dr. Johnson.
The proprietors of the Family Library feel themselves stimulated to
increased exertions by the distinguished favour with which it has already
been received.
The volumes already before the public may be confidently appealed to
as proofs of zeal on the part of the proprietors to present to their readers
a series of productions, which, as they are connected, not with ephemeral,
but with permanent subjects, may, years hence as well as now, be consulted
for lively amusement as well as solid instruction.
To render this Library still more worthy of patronage, the publishers
propose incerporating in it such works of interest and value as
may appear in the various Libraries and Miscellanies now preparing in
Europe, particularly the “National” and the “Edinburgh Cabinet” Libraries.
All these productions, as they emanate from the press, will be
submitted to a committee of literary gentlemen for inspection; and none
will be reprinted but such as shall be found calculated to sustain the
exalted character which this Library has already acquired.
Several well-known authors have been engaged to prepare for it original
works of an American character, on History, Biography, Travels, &c. &c.
Every distinet subject will in general be comprehended in one volume
or at most in three volumes, which may form either a portion of the
series or a complete work by itself; and each volume will be embellishes
with appropriate engravings.
The entire series will be the production of authors of eminence, who
have acquired celebrity by their literary labours, and whose names, as
they appear in succession, will afford the surest guarantee to the public
for the satisfactory manner in which the subjects will be treated.
Such is the plan by which it is intended to form an American Family
Library, comprising all that is valuable in those branches of knowledge
which most happily unite entertainment with instruction. The utmost
care will be taken, not only to exclude whatever can have an injurious
influence on the mind, but to embrace every thing calculated to strengthen
the best and most salutary impressions.
With these arrangements and facilities, the publishers flatter themselves
that they shall be able to present to their fellow-citizens a work
of unparalleled merit and cheapness, embracing subjects adapted to all
classes of readers, and forming a body of literature deserving the praise
of having instructed many, and amused all; and above every other species
of eulogy, of being fit to be introduced, without reserve or exception,
by the father of a family to the domestic circle. Meanwhile, the very low
price at which it is charged renders more extensive patronage necessary
for its support and prosecution. The immediate encouragement, therefore,
of those who approve its plan and execution is respectfully solicited.
The work may be obtained in complete sets, or in separate numbers,
from the principal booksellers throughout the United States.
