THE NEIGHBOURS. A Story of Every-day Life. BY FREDERIKA BREMER. TRANSLATED FROM THE SWEDISH, BY MARY HOWITT. PHILADELPHIA: JAMES M. CAMPBELL & CO., 98 CHESTNUT STREET. SAXTON & MILES, 205 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON. 1843. PREFACE, BY THE TRANSLATOR. Of the rich treasure of intellect and literature in Sweden, little or nothing is known in England. To give a specimen of what exists there, even in the department of living story and scenes of society, I have selected this work of Frederika Bremer, which is one of a series of four; "The Neighbours," "The House," "The President's Daughters," and "Nina." "The Neighbours" has not been first chosen on the principle of presenting the best first, in order to excite expectation, but as believing it a fair and average example. Some of the others possess unquestionably a stronger interest in the narrative, and perhaps more masterly exposition of character. They are, in my opinion, most admirable in their lessons of social wisdom; in their life of relation; in their playful humour; and in all those qualities which can make writings acceptable to the fireside circle of the good and refined. Frederika Bremer is indeed the MISS AUSTEN of Sweden. Her father was an eminent merchant, and since the death of her parents she has resided alternately in Stockholm, and with a female friend in the South of Sweden. She has consequently seen much of the society and scenery of her native land, and no one can sketch these with more graphic truth and vivacity. Since the writings of their great poet Tegnér, no productions have created such a sensation in Sweden; and abroad they have flown far and wide; have been read with avidity in various parts of the Continent, and in Germany alone three editions have appeared in rapid succession. I take this opportunity to announce, that, if my own countrymen, and especially countrywomen, give this work an equal welcome, the others are ready for publication, and will be issued as speedily as may be required. In any case, I shall be grateful to the author for the perusal of them, for they have certainly both highly amused me and done my heart good. Heidelberg, September, 1842. M. H. 3 |