# Preface to the First Edition explained — In the Midst of Life

> Chapter companion for In the Midst of Life by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The author acknowledges that the book was rejected by major publishers and is only published thanks to Mr. E. L. G. Steele, a merchant who believed in the work. The preface serves as a testament to Steele's faith in the author's judgment and friendship.

## Character check-ins

### E. L. G. Steele

The merchant who made the publication of this book possible after it was denied by major publishing houses.

## Key lines

> Denied existence by the chief publishing houses of the country, this book owes itself to Mr. E. L. G. Steele, merchant, of this city.

The major publishers refused to print this book, so it exists only because of Mr. E. L. G. Steele, a local merchant.

_The author credits Steele for overcoming the rejection by mainstream publishers._

> In attesting Mr. Steele’s faith in his judgment and his friend, it will serve its author’s main and best ambition.

By proving Steele's trust in his own judgment and in his friend (the author), this book fulfills the author's primary and highest goal.

_The author values the personal and professional validation from Steele more than commercial success._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/chapters/preface-to-the-first-edition
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/chapters