This volume is a specimen of a work undertaken for the purpose of
forming a collection of the manners and customs of ancient and modern
times, with descriptive accounts of the several seasons of popular
pastime.
Each of the three hundred and sixty-five days in the year is
distinguished by occurrences or other particulars relating to the day,
and by the methods of celebrating every holyday; the work is therefore
what its title purports, THE EVERY-DAY BOOK.
It is an EVERLASTING CALENDAR--because its collection of facts
concerning the origin and usages of every remarkable day, including
movable feasts and fasts, constitute a calendar for _every_ year.
It is a HISTORY OF THE YEAR--because it traces the commencement and
progress of the year from the first day to the last.
It is a HISTORY OF THE MONTHS--because it describes the appearances that
distinguish each month from the other months.
It is a HISTORY OF THE SEASONS--because it describes the influences and
character of the four quarters into which the year is divided, and the
most remarkable objects in natural history peculiar to each season.
It is a PERPETUAL KEY TO THE ALMANACK--because it explains the
signification of every name and term in the almanack.
Its antiquarian and historical notices are calculated to engage the
attention of almost every class of readers, and to gratify several who
would scarcely expect such particulars in such a miscellany. The
perplexities attending the discovery of certain facts, and the labour of
reducing all into order, will be appreciated by the few who have engaged
in similar pursuits. Some curious matters are now, for the first time,
submitted to the public; and others are so rare as to seem altogether
new.
As regards the engravings, to such as are from old masters, notices of
their prints are always annexed. The designs for the allegorical and
other illustrations, have originated with myself; and the drawings been
accommodated, and the engravings executed, according to my own sense of
subject and style. In numerous instances they have been as satisfactory
to me as to my readers; many of whom, however, are less difficult to
please than I am, and have favourably received some things which I have
been obliged to tolerate, because the exigency of publication left me no
time to supply their place. I know what art can accomplish, and am
therefore dissatisfied when artists fail to accomplish.
I may now avow that I have other aims than I deemed it expedient to
mention in the prospectus:--to communicate in an agreeable manner, the
greatest possible variety of important and diverting facts, without a
single sentence to excite an uneasy sensation, or an embarrassing
inquiry; and, by not seeming to teach, to cultivate a high moral
feeling, and the best affections of the heart:--to open a storehouse,
from whence manhood may derive daily instruction and amusement, and
youth and innocence be informed, and retain their innocency.
To these intentions I have accommodated my materials under such
difficulties as I hope may never be experienced by any one engaged in
such a labour. To what extent less embarrassed and more enlarged
faculties could have better executed the task I cannot determine; but I
have always kept my main object in view, the promotion of social and
benevolent feelings, and I am persuaded this prevailing disposition is
obvious throughout. The poetical illustrations, whether “solemn
thinkings,” or light dispersions, are particularly directed to that end.
I may now be permitted to refer to the copious indexes for the
multifarious contents of the volume, and to urge the friends to the
undertaking for assistance towards its completion. There is scarcely any
one who has not said--“Ah! this is _something_ that will do for the
_Every-Day Book_:” I crave to be favoured with that “something.” Others
have observed--“I expected _something_ about so and so in the _Every-Day
Book_.” It is not possible, however, that I should know _every_ thing;
but if each will communicate “something,” the work will gratify every
one, and my own most sanguine wishes.
And here I beg leave to offer my respectful thanks to several
correspondents who have already furnished me with accounts of customs,
&c. which appear under different signatures. Were I permitted to
disclose their real names, it would be seen that several of these
communications are from distinguished characters. As a precaution
against imposition, articles of that nature have not been, nor can they
be, inserted, without the name and address of the writer being confided
to myself. Accounts, so subscribed, will be printed with any initials or
mark, the writers may please to suggest.
From the publication of the present volume, a correct judgment may be
formed of the nature and tendency of the work, which incidentally
embraces almost every topic of inquiry or remark connected with the
ancient and present state of manners and literature. Scarcely an
individual is without a scrap-book, or a portfolio, or a collection of
some sort; and whatever a kind-hearted reader may deem curious or
interesting, and can conveniently spare, I earnestly hope and solicit to
be favoured with, addressed to me at Messrs. Hunt and Clarke’s,
Tavistock-street, who receive communications for the work, and publish
it in weekly sheets, and monthly parts, as usual.