Page:Oliver Twist (1838) vol. 3.djvu/6

 But independently of the amusement which we derive from works of this class—we owe to them deep and lasting obligations. They make us acquainted with humanity in all its various aspects, convince us that "there are livers out of Britain," and that we are not the only enlightened people on earth, for that others also are making rapid strides in civilization. They enlarge, strengthen, and mellow our understanding, and help to rid us of many of those national prejudices, which our insular position and exclusion from the Continent, during the late war, have engendered in our minds.

In the selection of works, the greatest care will be used. None will be admitted but such as have already been stamped by popular approbation. When, in addition to this, the public is assured that the Library will be brought out in the most convenient form, and at a price which will render it accessible to all readers; moreover, that it will comprise within one volume the matter previously contained in two or more, at five times the cost—when all these advantages are taken into consideration, it is confidently hoped that this Collection will meet with adequate encouragement, and become a permanent favourite with the public.

The price of each volume will be the same as that of its companion Library, ";" viz., Six Shillings, and it will thus be placed within the means of the great body of English readers.