Front matter
Katharine Prescott Wormeley translation
Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley
DEDICATION To Helene. The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners. In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils. De Balzac.