Preface

A Facsimile of the Manuscript in The Pierpont Morgan Library

with a Transcript of the First Edition and John Leech's Illustrations

I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.

Their faithful Friend and Servant,

C. D.

December, 1843.