1. Preface

Preface

THESE essays, except the first, were published in Harper’s Magazine and The American Mercury within the last three years; the first one was printed as an introduction to a small volume, published in 1924 by A. and C. Boni, of selections from the writings of Artemus Ward. My best thanks are due Messrs. Boni and the editors of Harper’s and the Mercury for permission to reprint them.

They bear on various aspects of the same subject, namely, the quality of civilization in the United States; and hence they have a certain unity, or a certain monotony, according as one is disposed to regard them. They are reprinted as they first appeared, without any changes worth speaking of. The exigencies of magazine publication, chiefly the haunting terror of a space limit, has had its effect upon their continuity and completeness, and to some extent upon their manner, as well. But a little imagination and benevolence will, I think, supply a sense of the integrity of critical purpose behind them.

ALBERT JAY NOCK.

Brussels, 27 March, 1928.

On Doing the Right Thing