terations, in both the style and sentiment; insomuch, that scarcely a page, particularly in the first half of the book, has escaped without considerable changes. Not thinking themselves justifiable in giving currency to such spurious productions of anonymous booksellers and editors, as the genuine writings of Dr. Goldsmith, the publishers of the present edition have carefully restored the original reading, even in instances in which the altered copies had confessedly the advantage in point of elegance or correctness of diction. This they have done under a full conviction of the gross impropriety of a practice, which has become too general among publishers, of altering the language and even the sentiments of authors according to their own whims, or their own ill digested notions of correctness or propriety. The edition from which this is principally copied, and which has been chiefly relied upon as authority, is the fourth edition, printed in London, in the year 1770, during the life of the author, and published by Carnan and Newbery, who were the proprietors of the work, and one of whom was the original purchaser of the copy-right. Next to that, the most authentick copy which the editors have seen, is that contained in the Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, M. B. in four octavo volumes, printed in London, in the year 1801. In this, the unwarrantable alterations of previous editions are, with a few exceptions, discarded. In the present edition, particular pains have been taken to avoid the prevailing fault of American publications, inaccuracy in printing. As to orthography, the dictionary of Dr. Johnson has been taken as the only correct standard in the English language. It seems to be so considered and acknowledged by the best judges in Great Britain, and has, accordingly, been resorted to, as authority, in all publications from the LoRENZO PRESS. The editors believe that in this volume, every word is accurately spelt, according to that standard; and therefore think themselves authorized to pronounce it the most correctly printed book in the language. ADVERTISEMENT. THERE are a hundred faults in this thing, and a hundred things might be said to prove them beauties. But it is needless. A book may be amusing, with numerous errours; or, it may be very dull, without a single absurdity. The hero of this piece unites in himself the three greatest characters upon earth: he is a priest, a husbandman, and the father of a family. He is drawn as ready to teach, and ready to obey; as simple in affluence, and majestick in adversity. In this age of opulence and refinement, whom can such a character please? Such as are fond of high life will turn with disdain from the simplicity of his country fireside. Such as mistake ribaldry for humour, will find no wit in his harmless conversation; and such as have been taught to deride religion will laugh at one whose chief stores of comfort are drawn from futurity. OLIVER GOLDSMITH. |