Page:Books from the Library of Congress (IA lifemostsurprisi00def).pdf/12

v The Editor believes this narrative to be a just history of fact; neither is there any appearance of fiction in it; and though he is well aware there are many who, on account of the very singular preservations the Author met with, will give it the name of romance; yet, in which ever of these lights it shall be viewed, he imagines, that the improvement of it, as well as the diversion, as to the instruction of the reader, will be the same; and as such, he thinks, without farther compliment to the world, he does them a great service in the publication.