OF SOCIAL LIFE. BY MRS. PARKER, AUTHOR OF "DECISION AND INDECISION." LONDON: JOHN MASON, 14, CITY ROAD, AND 66, PATERNOSTER-ROW. PREFACE. AMONG the varied forms of Literature daily issuing from the press, perhaps the designation of none will be more in unison with the pleasurable associations of home than the "Features of Social Life." Other titles may promise a wider range for imagination, and afford more ample scope to the powers of intellect; yet, in the simple annals of social life, we recognise the peculiar characteristics of our own friendly circle; we see the well-known traits developed in domestic scenes; and we hail the sketch (rough though it be) of that fairform, whose pure and heavenly mould, is the dearest object of our love. That there are many publications, specially adapted for the young, the Author is fully aware; but that there are sufficient to satisfy that eager desire, produced by the enlightened state of mind and cultivated taste, now general in the middle ranks of life, she ventures to think questionable. The thirst for knowledge calls for boundless The enquiring mind will read; and if books, whose tendency is good stores. be not supplied, others of a more doubtful character will be sought. How many an opening bud of promise, has been blighted by the baneful influence thus acquired! |