PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

uch to the author’s surprise, and (ifhe may say so without additionaloffence) considerably to his amusement,he finds that his sketch of officiallife, introductory to The ScarletLetter, has created an unprecedented excitement inthe respectable community immediately around him.It could hardly have been more violent, indeed, hadhe burned down the Custom-House, and quenched itslast smoking ember in the blood of a certain venerablepersonage, against whom he is supposed to cherish apeculiar malevolence. As the public disapprobationwould weigh very heavily on him, were he consciousof deserving it, the author begs leave to say, that hehas carefully read over the introductory pages, with a[iv]purpose to alter or expunge whatever might be foundamiss, and to make the best reparation in his powerfor the atrocities of which he has been adjudged guilty.But it appears to him, that the only remarkable featuresof the sketch are its frank and genuine good-humor,and the general accuracy with which he hasconveyed his sincere impressions of the characterstherein described. As to enmity, or ill-feeling of anykind, personal or political, he utterly disclaims suchmotives. The sketch might, perhaps, have been whollyomitted, without loss to the public, or detriment tothe book; but, having undertaken to write it, he conceivesthat it could not have been done in a better ora kindlier spirit, nor, so far as his abilities availed, witha livelier effect of truth.

The author is constrained, therefore, to republish hisintroductory sketch without the change of a word.

Salem, March 30, 1850.

BU KİTABI OKUMAK İÇİN ÜYE OLUN VEYA GİRİŞ YAPIN!

Sitemize Üyelik ÜCRETSİZDİR!