Clarissa Preface Hints Of Prefaces And Postscript

The seven volumes of the first edition of Clarissa were published in three instalments during the twelve months from December 1747 to December 1748. Richardson wrote a Preface for Volume I and a Postscript for Volume VII, and William Warburton supplied an additional Preface for Volume III (or IV).[1] A second edition, consisting merely of a reprint of Volumes I-IV was brought out in 1749. In 1751 a third edition of eight volumes in duodecimo and a fourth edition of seven volumes in octavo were published simultaneously. For the third and fourth editions the author revised the text of the novel, rewrote his own Preface and Postscript, substantially expanding the latter, and dropped the Preface written by Warburton. The additions to the Postscript, like the letters and passages 'restored' to the novel itself, are distinguished in the new editions by points in the margin.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Samuel Richardson's monumental work 'Clarissa: Preface, Hints of Prefaces, and Postscript' is a remarkable epistolary novel that delves into the complexities of human emotions, societal norms, and gender dynamics in 18th-century England. The book is a masterpiece of writing, showcasing Richardson's exceptional ability to portray the innermost thoughts and feelings of his characters through their letters. The emotional depth and psychological insights of the characters make this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read. Richardson's literary style is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its profound exploration of moral dilemmas and social conventions of the time. His use of multiple narrators adds layers of complexity to the narrative, engaging the reader in a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and perspectives. 'Clarissa' is a quintessential example of the epistolary novel genre, offering a unique and immersive reading experience for lovers of classic literature. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, inviting them to reflect on themes of love, power, and virtue in a compelling and profound way.