IF the reader should inquire what special claims the present author can
put forward to treat so complex and indeed novel a subject, the first
reply is, of course, that he has thought a long time and with much care
about it, and this, for a theorist, is sufficient vindication. But it
may fairly be added that a writer on the principles of conversation
ought to live in a country where the practice of it is confessedly on a
high level, and where the average man is able to talk well. This is an
additional justification. Lastly, though examples cannot teach the art,
it is to be expected that the writer should not live altogether in his
study, but should go out and hear as many good conversations as
possible, in order to bring his theories to the practical test. These
three conditions having been honestly fulfilled, the failure of the book
will rather be due to want of ability than to want of honest preparation
in the author.
The generality of the treatment may perhaps mislead the reader to think
that there is nothing but speculation attempted. This is not so, each
single case of general description being drawn from instances under the
author’s own observation, so that not a few will be recognised by those
who have moved in the same society. But, if justly drawn, they ought to
be found in every society.
In seeking for advice among those whose conversation has supplied the
best materials for his theory, the author has been fortunate enough to
obtain the assistance of the MARCHIONESS OF LONDONDERRY and LADY AUDREY
BULLER, who have made suggestions and criticisms which he here cordially
acknowledges.
TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN,
September 1887.
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