The original folio numbers have been followed also
in the use of italics [shown between underscored
thus] and other little details of the disposition
of the type; for example, in the reproduction of those
rows of single inverted commas, which distinguish what
a correspondent called the parts ‘laced down
the side with little c’s.’ [This last
detail of formatting has not been reproduced in this
file. Text Ed.]
The translation of the mottos and Latin quotations,
which Steele and Addison deliberately abstained from
giving, and which, as they were since added, impede
and sometimes confound and contradict the text, are
here placed in a body at the end, for those who want
them. Again and again the essayists indulge in
banter on the mystery of the Latin and Greek mottos;
and what confusion must enter into the mind of the
unwary reader who finds Pope’s Homer quoted
at the head of a ‘Spectator’ long before
Addison’s word of applause to the young poet’s
’Essay on Criticism.’ The mottos
then are placed in an Appendix.
There is a short Appendix also of advertisements taken
from the original number of the ‘Spectator’,
and a few others, where they seem to illustrate some
point in the text, will be found among the notes.
In the large number of notes here added to a revision
of those bequeathed to us by Percy and Calder, the
object has been to give information which may contribute
to some nearer acquaintance with the writers of the
book, and enjoyment of allusions to past manners and
events.
Finally, from the ‘General Index to the Spectators,
&c.,’ published as a separate volume in 1760,
there has been taken what was serviceable, and additions
have been made to it with a desire to secure for this
edition of the ‘Spectator’ the advantages
of being handy for reference as well as true to the
real text.
H. M.
[Footnote 1: “Sentences omitted, or words
altered;” not, of course, the immaterial variations
of spelling into which compositors slipped in the
printing office. In the ‘Athenaeum’
of May 12, 1877, is an answer to misapprehensions
on this head by the editor of a Clarendon Press volume
of ’Selections from Addison’.]
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOHN LORD SOMMERS,
BARON OF EVESHAM. [1]
My LORD,
I should not act the Part of an impartial Spectator,
if I Dedicated the following Papers to one who is
not of the most consummate and most acknowledged Merit.
None but a person of a finished Character can be the
proper Patron of a
Work, which endeavours to Cultivate and Polish Human
Life, by promoting
Virtue and Knowledge, and by recommending whatsoever
may be either
Useful or Ornamental to Society.
I know that the Homage I now pay You, is offering
a kind of Violence to one who is as solicitous to
shun Applause, as he is assiduous to deserve it.
But, my Lord, this is perhaps the only Particular in
which your Prudence will be always disappointed.
