P R E E A C E. 



While so many foreign authors are enjoying an English 

 reputation scarcely inferior to that by which they are distin- 

 guished in their own land, it is rather remarkable that the 

 works of Alphonse Karr should be so little known in this 

 country. There are few writers who have shewn such keen 

 perception of character, such true delicacy of feeling, and such 

 real originality of thought, as are to be found in every page 

 of this charming author. Through all his works there runs 

 a vein of the gentlest feelings towards mankind, an apprecia- 

 tion of everything that is good and noble, and a sympathy 

 with every kindly affection of our nature, rendered more 

 piquant by a slight spice of genial misanthropy. 



His lively wit is directed lightly against the ordinary 

 failings of mankind; and there is but one class of men for 

 whom he has no mercy. He treats a sham much as an 

 American Indian treats an enemy — he tomahawks him with 

 an argument, scalps him with an epigram, and triumphantly 

 despoils him of his borrowed plumes. 



