What is the difference between an Introduction, a Foreword, and a Preface of a book?

lanfranco

This is slightly messy, since a preface and an introduction can be more or less the same thing. However, a preface, written by the author, usually explains "Why I wrote this book." The introduction, also written by the author, is more often a setting out of specific preliminary arguments and issues. A foreword, on the other hand, is generally written by someone else -- most often another, not infrequently more venerable expert in the field. It explains why the work is important and also often praises the author for his or her brilliance, perspicacity, experience, and fine writing. (It might also detail the manner in which the author and foreword-writer became known to one another -- assuming that both are still alive and that they do know one another -- and how they developed their mutual-admiration society, etc.) Does that help? Jul 08 05, 3:24 PM

satguru

When it relates to whether I normally read them or not, none... Jul 08 05, 8:11 PM