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Maria Edgeworth by John Downman, 1807

Maria Edgeworth (1807), by John Downman (image credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Every author has the right to what appellation he may think proper to his works. The public have also a right to accept or refuse the classification that is presented.

The following work is offered to the public as a Moral Tale -- the author not wishing to acknowledge a Novel. Were all novels like those of Mdame de Crousaz, Mrs. Inchbald, Miss Burney, or Dr. Moore, she would adopt the name of Novel with delight. But so much folly, error, and vice are disseminated in books classed under this denomination, that it is hoped the wish to assume another title will be attributed to feelings that are laudable, and not fastidious.