History of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, including Lynnfield ...

iv
Preface.
think of some topic which it appears to him has not been set
forth with desirable fullness. But before concluding that there
is an omission, accidental or intentional, it would be well to
consider whether the matter is of general interest or of interest
only to himself and perhaps a few others, or to any limited or
particular class.
While it has not been thought expedient, when speaking
of persons, to extenuate in a degree to give false coloring to
character, nothing has been set down in malice. The endeavor
has been to give an honest and fair account of whoever and
whatever has come under notice.
With the reception of his former imperfect works by those
whose opinions are of value, the writer
has had abundant reason
to be pleased ; and all courteous and well-intended suggestions
have been gratefully received and duly considered. Whether
his escape from criticism is attributable to excellence or insignificance
is a question about which he need not trouble himself
The unfledged critic, as every writer knows, often fancies that
he has demolished an author when he has only amused him.
And it is well for both writer and reviewer to bear in mind that
no author can be written down by any pen but his own — nor
written up, as to that matter.
That the book is entirely free from error, is beyond the bound
of expectation, though much care has been taken to have all the
statements correct.
It would be extreme arrogance to claim for it
what perhaps no other printed book ever yet possessed — perfect
accuracy. A word is said, on page 253, touching the duties and
perplexities of authorship. And on page 251 an account is
given of the different editions of the History of Lynn. The present
volume corresponds in the size of page and general style
with that of 1865, and both are stereotyped.