When should one read an introduction to a novel? I'd agree with Jeff Miller that a critical introduction can often be safely ignored, unless of course it happens to have been written by a scholar who subscribes to this list, or when the author of the introduction is of equal or even greater interest to the reader than the work it introduces. For example, who would ignore Eliot's intro to HF? Twain's "notice" to HF is a good example of an "introduction" written by an author introducing his own work, and who would ignore such a prelude? Finally, there are the several introductions that Twain wrote to other authors' writings (no novels come to mind). I've read all of those, but have to admit I've not read all of the books they introduce. I think the funniest example of a Twain introduction to another author's book is the letter Twain wrote to Will Clemens declining to write an introduction for one of Will Clemens' books. Will Clemens simply printed Twain's letter as the introduction to his book. Kevin @ Mac Donnell Rare Books 9307 Glenlake Drive Austin TX 78730 512-345-4139 [log in to unmask] Member: ABAA, ILAB ************************** You may browse our books at www.macdonnellrarebooks.com