The long delay which has occurred in the publication of “Woman and her Master” is solely attributable to an infirmity of vision; the ultimate appearance of the work in a divided form has been the result of the same painful infliction—the necessity of temporary repose having been suggested by one, to whose eminent skill and unremitting attention I stand indebted for the comparative recovery of the most precious of the organs.

The disadvantage of dividing the work into two distinct publications is manifest; particularly as its strict adherence to chronological order obliged me to bring before the public that portion which, by its remoter associations, may be deemed the least interesting.

Still, by stopping short upon the very frontier of a new epoch in society (the land of promise to the graphic historian), I have yet followed the natural break in history itself. I have further endeavoured to give to the first two volumes as much of the design of the entire work as will form something like a distinct whole; and I shall endeavour to preserve in the last two the same character of unity and independence. Having begun with the beginning, it is my hope and my intention to conclude with the conclusion. And, should that light be spared me, without which none work cheerily, and few (save the inspired) work at all, I shall only stop at that point which Time itself has but just touched—the age we live in!