 a different
character, which, without being such apparent deviations from the original
stories as to disturb the reader's old associations, will, he thinks, add
something to the spirit of the dialogue, narrative, or description. These
consist in occasional pruning where the language is redundant, compression where
the style is loose, infusion of vigour where it is languid, the exchange of less
forcible for more appropriate epithets - slight alterations, in short, like the
last touches of an artist, which contribute to heighten and finish the picture,
though an inexperienced eye can hardly detect in what they consist.
    The General Preface to the new Edition, and the Introductory Notices to each
separate work, will contain an account of such circumstances attending the first
publication of the Novels and Tales as may appear interesting in themselves or
proper to be communicated to the public. The Author also proposes to publish on
this occasion the various legends, family traditions, or obscure historical
facts, which have formed the ground-work of these Novels, and to give some
account of the places where the scenes are laid, when these are altogether or in
part real; as well as a statement of particular incidents founded on fact;
together with a more copious Glossary, and Notes explanatory of the ancient
customs and popular superstitions referred to in the Romances.
    Upon the whole, it is hoped that the Waverley Novels, in their new dress,
will not be found to have lost any part of their attractions in consequence of
receiving illustrations by the Author, and undergoing his careful revision.
    
    ABBOTSFORD, January 1829.
 

                         Preface to the Third Edition.

                                 October 1814.

To this slight attempt at a sketch of ancient Scottish manners the public have
been more favourable than the Author durst have hoped or expected. He has heard,
with a mixture of satisfaction and humility, his work ascribed to more than one
respectable name. Considerations, which seem weighty in his particular
situation, prevent his releasing those gentlemen from suspicion by placing his
own name in the title-page; so that, for the present at least, it must remain
uncertain whether Waverley be the work of a poet or a critic, a lawyer or a
clergyman, or whether the writer, to use Mrs. Malaprop's phrase, be, »like
Cerberus - three gentlemen at once.« The Author, as he is unconscious of
anything in the work itself (except, perhaps, its frivolity) which prevents its
finding an acknowledged father, leaves it to the candour of the public to choose
among the many circumstances peculiar to different situations in life, such as
may induce him to
