Address of the english author to the french public.
I have long been desirous that a complete French translation of
the books I have written should be made, and should be published
in an uniform series.
Hitherto, less fortunate in France than in Germany, I have only
been known to French readers not thoroughly acquainted with the
English language, through occasional, fragmentary and unauthorized
translations over which I have had no control, and from which I
have derived no advantage.
The present translation of my writings was proposed to me by
Messrs. L. Hachette and Co. and Ch. Lahure in a manner equally
spirited, liberal, and generous. It has been made with the
greatest care, and its many difficulties have been combated with
unusual skill, intelligence and perseverance.
It has been superintended, above ail, by an accomplished
gentleman, perfectly acquainted with both languages, and able,
with a rare felicity, to be perfectly faithful to the English
text, while rendering it in elegant and expressive French.
I am proud to be so presented to the great French people, whom I
sincerely love and honour, and to be known and approved by whom
must be an aspiration of every labourer in the Arts, for which
France has done so much, and in which she has made herself
renowned through the world.
This is the only edition of my writings that has my sanction. I
humbly and respectfully, but with full confidence, recommend it to
my French readers.
Charles Dickens.
Tavistock-House, London, January 17th, 1857.