AUTHOR’S PREFACE 
July 1, 1923, I wrote my first preface for a small book; 
to-night, January 28, 1924, at nine o’clock, I write a second one. 
The book for which I am now writing this one, which has 
30,888 words, is much larger than my previous production, 
for the preceding consists of 11,000 words. Hereupon, dear 
reader, we see a great difference, a comparison that arouses 
interest in quality and quantity. Hence, to read this book, 
which, not being very large, can be read by a fast reader 
within three hours—three hours of interesting reading, I as- 
sure you. 
A few words of necessary comprehension to elucidate the 
understanding of “The Opening of the New Field Museum.” 
I have written an unpublished novel, which, being entitled 
‘The King of Melancholy,” I have depicted the two charac- 
ters who enact their part in “The Opening of the New Field 
Museum.” Thinking that my reader would like to enjoy the 
contemplation of such an historical narrative, I have not 
neglected said literary desire of an herein insertion, where- 
upon you may promenade throughout the palace of nature, 
seeing here a variety of geologicals, there the diamonds, rings, 
crowns, and scepters of ancient kings. Finally, concerning 
The Opening of the New Field Museum,” let me communi- 
cate a little secret to you. I am the king of melancholy; I 
am Lorenzo Lucchesisi, the artist, and Birtha is a loving 
dear, angelic creature of my imagination, a phantom of love, 
a spirit of happiness! It is she, her beautiful eyes, her velvet 
lips, her tender hands; she, her entire self, a dream playing 
within my soul, a ghost of heaven with wings of Venus and 
kisses of Adonis—she and I in one! 
am going away from the rules of compositi 
ra Beg Geng “I have no unity in my preface.” oe Mie 
rhetorical violation. you will forgive me for such a little 
lave given to the poetic world m . 
Burning World.” It will be seen that I hee Mi ay 
lines that rhyme, whereupon, on a sudden, I have di ti 4 
doing so. Why? For this reason: [| find that t tis ae it 
takes more time to write poetic expressions pia It aan i 
giving educational information, that will have fe Selves 4 
is being the case, I have changed a beautif ay “a hatchy 
reek coe peamtofn ih entertaining, and slevating. Thus, 
oet 1s one who sees i i in | 
storm, the rising sun, and we tae a agemen, ised the 
word, a poet—let those judge who may eee 
[ will not say a word in this introduction c ing Al 
ander Hamilton, Empress Josephine, and «Seana p red k 4 
i even philosophize my various poems Sat ations aiaties 
ut I will, dear reader, let you be the judge. So be it. 
Chicago, January 28, 1924. EUGENE P. SEWELL. 
