Sartor Resartus · Chapter
Author's Note of 1868 explained
The author explains the delayed publication of the book, written in 1831 but not appearing as a volume until 1838, having first been serialized in a magazine.
What happens
The author explains the delayed publication of the book, written in 1831 but not appearing as a volume until 1838, having first been serialized in a magazine. He reprints the original 'Testimonies of Authors' to clarify the work's history and chronology.
Characters to notice
- The Editor
The authorial voice reflecting on the book's publication history.
Key passages
“This questionable little Book was undoubtedly written among the mountain solitudes, in 1831; but, owing to impediments natural and accidental, could not, for seven years more, appear as a Volume in England;—and had at last to clip itself in pieces, and be content to struggle out, bit by bit, in some courageous Magazine that offered.”
This dubious little book was written in mountain solitude in 1831, but due to various obstacles, it couldn't be published as a complete volume in England until seven years later, and had to be serialized piecemeal in a brave magazine.
The author recounts the delayed and fragmented publication process.