Lavengro · Chapter
Preface to the First Edition (1851) explained
The author introduces his work as a dream of study and adventure set in the British Islands during the first quarter of the 19th century.
What happens
The author introduces his work as a dream of study and adventure set in the British Islands during the first quarter of the 19th century. He describes the three principal characters—a Scholar, a Gypsy, and a Priest—and clarifies that they are distinct individuals. He defends the Church of England against the perceived threat of Roman Catholicism, which he accuses of fostering superstition, debasement, and deathbed robbery. He advocates for charity, free manners, and the exposure of priestly humbug, while affirming his own loyalty to the Church of England.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Priestcraft
The author extensively critiques Roman Catholicism and defends the Church of England, accusing priests of humbug and debasement.
Freedom vs. Convention
The preface advocates for charity and free manners while exposing the constraints of priestly authority.
Adventure and Roving
The book is described as a dream of adventure set in the British Islands, with scenes in roads, streets, houses, and dingles.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The author and narrator, who describes the book as a dream of study and adventure.
- Jasper Petulengro
One of the three principal characters, the Gypsy, described as the most entertaining.
- The Priest
One of the three principal characters, associated with scholarship and gypsyism but distinct from the other two.
Key passages
“In the following pages I have endeavoured to describe a dream, partly of study, partly of adventure, in which will be found copious notices of books, and many descriptions of life and manners, some in a very unusual form.”
The author explains that the book blends intellectual pursuits with adventurous experiences, featuring extensive book references and unique portrayals of life and customs.
Opening statement setting the tone for the work.
“The principal actors in this dream, or drama, are, as you will have gathered from the titlepage, a Scholar, a Gypsy, and a Priest.”
The main characters are a scholar, a gypsy, and a priest, as indicated on the title page.
Identifies the three central figures of the narrative.
“Amongst the many things attempted in this book is the encouragement of charity, and free and genial manners, and the exposure of humbug, of which there are various kinds, but of which the most perfidious, the most debasing, and the most cruel, is the humbug of the Priest.”
The book aims to promote kindness and open-hearted behavior while revealing deceit, especially the harmful deceit of priests.
States the moral purpose of the work.