HARPER'S FAMILY LIBRARY. 



DESIGNED FOR ADULT PERSONS. 



" Books that yov may carry to the fire, avd hold readily in your hand^ 

 are the most useful after all. A man ivill often, look at them, and be 

 tempted to go on, when he would have been frightened at books of a larger 

 size, andcf a more erudite appearance.''' — Dr. JoiiNgoN. 



The proprietors of the Family Library feel themselves stimulated to 

 increased exertions by the distinguished favour with which it has already 

 been received. 



The volumes now before the public may be confidently appealed to 

 as proofs of zeal on the part of the publishers to present to their readers 

 a series of productions, which, as they are connected, not with ephemeral, 

 but with permanent subjects, may, years hence as well as now, be con- 

 sulted for lively amusement as well as solid instruction. 



To render this Library still more worthy of patronage, the proprie 

 tors propose incorporating in it such works of interest and value as 

 may appear in the various Libraries and Miscellanies now preparing in 

 Europe, particularly " Constable's Miscellany," the "Edinburgh Cabinet" 

 Library, &c. All these productions, as they emanate from the press, 

 will be submitted to literary gentlemen lor inspection ; and none will be 

 reprinted but such as shall be found calculated to sustain the exalted 

 character which this Library has already acquired. 



Several well-known authors have been engaged to prepare for it original 

 works of an American character, on History, Biography, Travels, &c. &c. 



Every distinct subject will in general be comprehended in one volume, 

 or at most in three volumes, which may form either a portion of the 

 series or a complete work by itself; and each volume will be embellished 

 with appropriate engravings. 



The entire series will be the production of authors of eminence, who 

 have acquired celebrity by their literary labours, and whose names, as 

 they appear in succession, wll afford the surest guarantee to the public 

 for the satisfactory manner in which the subjects will be treated. 



Such is the plan by which it is intended to form an American Family 

 Library, comprising all that is valuable in those branches of knowledge 

 which most happily unite entertainment with instruction. The utmost 

 care will be taken, not only to exclude whatever can have an injurious 

 Influence on the mind, but to embrace every thing calculated to strengthen 

 the best and most salutary impressions. 



With these arrangements and facilities, the publishers flatter them- 

 selves that they shall be able to present to their fellow-citizens a work 

 of unparalleled merit and cheapness, embracing subjects adapted to all 

 classes of readers, and forming a body of literature deserving the praise 

 of having instructed many, and amused all ; and above every other spe- 

 cies of eulogy, of being fit to be introduced, wthotit reserve or exception, 

 by the father of a family to the domestic circle. Meanwhile, the very low 

 price at which it is charged renders more extensive patronage necessary 

 for its support and prosecution. The immediate encouragement, there- 

 fore, of those who approve its plan and execution is respectfully solicited. 

 The work may be obtained in complete sets, or in separate numbew, 

 from the principal booksellers throughout the United States 



