Page:The works of John Ruskin (IA worksofjohnruski01rusk).pdf/16

x ''chronological. But though in the case of Ruskin the chronological order is particularly instructive, there are reasons also why it cannot always be strictly followed. Many of his works were written piecemeal and published at irregular intervals. The first volume of “ Modern Painters" was published in 1843; the last not till 1860. Between those dates he wrote the "Seven Lamps" (published 1849) and the "Stones of Venice" (1851–53). Again, in later years Ruskin often had many books—at one time, seven—on the stocks simultaneously: first, he would write and issue a part of one, and then a part of another. It would obviously be inconvenient to interpose a part of one book between parts of another. Again, he often took up the same subject at long intervals of time; as, for instance, in the case of his several Turner Catalogues, of which the first appeared in 1857, and the last in 1881. It would be a pity to miss the opportunity afforded by the publication of a Complete Library Edition to collect these dispersed members of a single subject. The chronological arrangement of this edition is therefore tempered by two other principles; by the necessity of issuing, in every case, all the volumes of a book successively, and by the desirability of bringing together, in some cases, scattered Notes, Catalogues, Lectures or Monographs on the same subject. The editors believe that this rearrangement will not only be found convenient by students and collectors, but will also put Ruskin's work in a light which is apt to be obscured by the casual publication of his writings hitherto.''

''The object of the notes added in this edition is elucidation, not criticism. An endeavour is made to trace the author's references, and to explain allusions which may no longer be''