book forwards

[SFG75]

What is it that makes a good forward in a book? To me, it's outlining what the book is about, as well as pointing out what distinguishes it from all other works. This also means that some flaws are pointed out as well, and that praise be given, but not oversly so. As a matter of fact, I hate it when best friends just gush and gush on continuously about how wonderful a mediocre or middle of the pack book is.

Any thoughts?

 

[mehastings]

Brevity!

 

[Ronny]

I don't really read the forwards sometimes I glance at them, maybe skim a few lines but they never really interest me.

 

[Stewart]

Do you guys really call it a forward rather than the more sensible foreword? Or are you referring to something else I've never heard of?

 

[SFG75]

Do you guys really call it a forward rather than the more sensible foreword? Or are you referring to something else I've never heard of?

I've seen both personally, but technically, you're right. With that being said, do you have an opinion about what distinguishes a good one from a bad one?

I like the comment about brevity-if it lingers on after 9 pages, then you wonder if it isn't an exercise of the ego on the part of the person privileged enough to write it.

 

[Stewart]

With that being said, do you have an opinion about what distinguishes a good one from a bad one?

If Stephen King, loyal reader, had written it then it's a bad one. He just rambles and builds up his own ego. Most I've read are little more than an extended list of thanks. I can't think, offhand, of a good one but if I did I would tell you.

 

[beer good]

Few forewords written by the author are worth reading. That said, I think Oscar Wilde's preface to "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" is a really good one.

Forewords written by someone else than the author can occasionally be interesting - either to put the book in context and give a historical/biographical background, or just as a note from a friend/fan.

 

[Peronel]

Oh Stewart.....I disagree!!!

Family Guy humour aside, I enjoy King's forewards/forwards/introductions/brief notes/whatever. They often serve as a buffer zone to ease you into whatever world he has built for the story. His conversational tone and use of anecdotes allow the reader to build a rapport with him before beginning page one. He also gives an insight into what inspires some of his stories, which I find interesting.

Ranting done. Forewards I have hated?? Any overly-intellectualised drivel including discussing the themes, key events, political motivations etc, especially if the author is deceased. One edition of Jane Eyre had about twenty pages of blah blah before the novel began. Suh-noooooooooore!