introduction-a

Updated: May 28, 2025

On the contrary, he very naturally determined that if his Poem, wasn't readable, it would not be read, and a Preface of ignorance would make the matter no better. He kept clear of the folly of an Introduction-a something which a writer gets up just to keep his hand in, perhaps, or to tell the reader that he knows all about it! The empty dishes on the banquet-board: no one cares for them.

Various - Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 15, July 9, 1870