Preface in books, people often read diagonally, or simply skip. But in vain! It is in this part of the book that you can find important information that will facilitate understanding of what is written in the main part.
We learn better what the preface is.
What do literary encyclopedias say?
What is the preface of the book? This question needs to be addressed to specialized specialists.
In this way, literary scholars explain the concept: it is a part of a literary text (of an artistic or scientific nature) that precedes the main text. The author, as a rule, puts in the preface that information which, in his opinion, will facilitate understanding of the text, will provide important additional information.
In this part of the book, comments can be made not only by the author himself, but also by the editor, publisher or other person related to the book.
Why write a preface?
With a question, what is the preface in the literature, we figured out. But why do the authors write these introductory parts to their works? What are they needed for?
Often the reason for writing is a negative attitude towards the book of critics or the main audience of readers. An example is one of the editions of Turgenev’s novel “Smoke”.
From such samples, literary critics can learn what the writer changed in the text, how his socio-political views were reflected in the novel.
The nihilists of the 60s of the last century to the question: “What is the preface?” - they would answer that this is a screen behind which they hide their true intentions.
Satirical Preface
Answering the question of what the preface is, it is necessary to dwell in more detail on anti-nihilist works. One of these texts was written by Dostoevsky to the works of Chernyshevsky. The satire of the famous conservative was associated with the views of the famous Russian revolutionary democrat.
Of course, Dostoevsky’s harsh words provoked indignation among other pen workers. A few years later, the writer said that he was misunderstood, because he himself was once a prisoner-convict and could not rejoice in the same grief of another person. Some critics bribed these words.
Manifest Preface
How else can you answer the question, what is the preface? “This is a literary manifesto!” - professionals can answer. And they will be right.
Some universally recognized geniuses of the word were also pioneers of their style or continuers of tradition. A striking example is the introduction of Hugo to the play "Cromwell." It is in this text that we learn about romantic drama, its distinguishing features and principles.
Editors' Preface
Modern editions of classical works of past eras are rarely seen without an introductory part of the editor. What is the preface in this case? This is an explanatory text that gives an idea of the era in which the author lived on the prevailing form of social consciousness in those days. From these preface, we can get acquainted with a modern view of the problem, a critical assessment of the work.