There are two previous editions of Mr. Strutt's Sports and Pastimes of the People of England. The first appeared in 1801; the second which was published in 1810 the year wherein the author died was an incorrect reprint without a single additional line. Both were in quarto and as each of the plates with few exceptions contained several subjects referred to in different parts of the work and as there were no paginal references on the plates they were frequently embarrassing to the reader.
The present edition is of a more convenient size and at one-sixth of the price of the former editions; and every engraving is on the page it illustrates.
To a volume abounding in historical and other interesting facts an Index seemed indispensable; and a very copious one is annexed. The Two former editions were without.
If Mr. Strutt had lived I am persuaded he would have incorporated into the body of the work some notes which were needlessly placed on the bottom margins. I have ventured to take them up into the pages; but without any undue alteration of the author's language.
I hope therefore that my aim to render this edition generally desirable and available has been fully accomplished.
W. Hone.
Newington Green 1830.