# Preface to the First Edition explained — Travel Essays

> Chapter companion for Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

In the preface, Stevenson humorously reflects on the act of writing a preface, comparing it to an architect showing off plans. He confesses his fear that his book may go unread and offers it as a light, unphilosophical work, thanking his traveling companion for at least being a reader.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Connection and Community

Stevenson expresses warmth toward his reader and gratitude toward his traveling companion, emphasizing the value of shared experience.

## Character check-ins

### The Arethusa

Implied as the companion who accompanied the author on the travels described in the book.

## Key lines

> To equip so small a book with a preface is, I am half afraid, to sin against proportion.

Stevenson worries that adding a preface to a short book is disproportionate.

_Opening line expressing self-consciousness about the preface._

> I might not only be the first to read these pages, but the last as well; that I might have pioneered this very smiling tract of country all in vain, and find not a soul to follow in my steps.

He fears he may be the only reader of his own book, having written it for no audience.

_Stevenson's anxiety about the book's reception._

> it contains not a single reference to the imbecility of God’s universe, nor so much as a single hint that I could have made a better one myself.

The book avoids pessimistic or arrogant commentary on the universe.

_Stevenson highlights the book's lighthearted and unphilosophical nature._

## Links

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