1899-05-01 — Preface to Esther Waters

Esther Waters (London: Walter Scott, 1 May 1899), page [7], 322 words

PREFACE

The text of the original edition of Esther Waters was achieved largely on the proof-sheets. But this method of composition, however inseparable from certain literary temperaments, is not conducive to finish of detail, and on reading my book its general proportions, its architecture, seemed to me superior to the mere writing; the carving of the ornamentation above door and window I recognised as being in many places summary and preparatory; and it has been love’s labour to try to finish what I had left unfinished.

In venturing to alter a published text I have followed the practice of Shakespeare, Goethe, Wagner, Balzac, Wordsworth, FitzGerald, and Mr. W. B. Yeats. It would be presumptuous to indicate here the passages where I think a real improvement has been effected, the curious will find them for themselves. Nor would it be of any avail for me to take my readers into my confidence and tell them of the literary excitement or lassitude I experienced on reading my book for what was practically the first time. But I may with propriety speak of its moral teaching. It was very generally assumed that its object was to agitate for a law to prevent betting, rather than to exhibit the beauty of the simple heart and so inculcate a love of goodness. The teaching of Esther Waters is as non-combative as that of the Beatitudes. Betting may be an evil, but what is evil is always uncertain, whereas there can be no question that to refrain from judging others, from despising the poor in spirit and those who do not possess the wealth of this world, is certain virtue. That all things that live are to be pitied is the lesson that I learn from reading my book, and that others may learn as much is my hope.

G. M.