The Motley Book: A Series of Tales and Sketches of American Life (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Motley Book: A Series of Tales and Sketches of American Life

To leave metaphor for the plain level of historical narrative, the author must express his deep sense Of the flattering manner in which the Motley Book has been heretofore regarded by the pub lic. The kindness with which his earliest effort is received, seizes hold on the heart Of the young author, and can never be loosened thence or forgotten: it is then that enemies are hardest and friends most doubtful, when his hopes are at best questionable, and when to question his success or his powers is neither slander nor sacrilege. If the little light which he ventures to set up can be blown out, it accomplishes a double end; proving the power of a malicious critic, and furnishing a clearer firmament for such false orbs to twinkle in as he may be pleased to summon into existence. The present author must be considered however as speaking more for the sake Of others who may be struggling than for himself, for he has the great satisfaction of adding that praise has been bestowed by the critics Of the Motley Book with an open and liberal hand.

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