PREFACE.. THE forms of literature are subject to the fluctuations of fashion, as well as manners and dress. The practice of writing prefaces is now almost obsolete, and new works are ushered into the world, either without this appendage, or with one extremely brief, in which the writer usually informs his readers, that he merely indulges in a short prooemium in compliance with long-established usage. We, however, think there is considerable utility in the ancient practice, and should be sorry to see it fall into desuetude. A book without a preface, is like a person admitted into society without an introduction. We are naturally suspicious of those of whom we have no previous knowledge:-a preface at once opens to us an acquaintance with an author, explains the motives in which his work originated, and affords us an insight into the spirit, manner, and bearing in which it has been executed. JJI In the present instance, our business is rather to write a retrospect than a preface, and point out the prominent features in a work, with the contents of which the public is already familiar. The CIRCULATOR is, as was originally intended, a Miscellany of Literature and Science, Useful Knowledge, Amusement, and General Information. In our REVIEWS we have endeavoured to notice the more important works that have appeared since the commencement of the year :after giving a general idea of their character and contents, we have made such selections from them, as appeared most interesting and instructive. Our embellishments, which are numerous, and many of them possessing considerable merit, have been chiefly introduced in illustration of subjects of Topography, and the ancient Sports and Pastimes of the people. |