PAUL AND VIRGINIA     

  

       by Bernardin de Saint Pierre     

   

       With A Memoir Of The Author     

   

   

       Contents     

  PREFACE  

  MEMOIR OF BERNARDIN DE ST. PIERRE  

  PAUL AND VIRGINIA  

   

    

       PREFACE     

       In introducing to the Public the present edition of this well known and affecting Tale,—the chef d'œuvre of its gifted author, the Publishers take occasion to say, that it affords them no little gratification, to apprise the numerous admirers of "Paul and Virginia,"       that the entire work of St. Pierre is now presented to them. All the previous editions have been disfigured by interpolations, and mutilated by numerous omissions and alterations, which have had the effect of reducing it from the rank of a Philosophical Tale, to the level of a mere story for children.     

       Of the merits of "Paul and Virginia," it is hardly necessary to utter a word; it tells its own story eloquently and impressively, and in a language simple, natural and true, it touches the common heart of the world. There are but few works that have obtained a greater degree of popularity, none are more deserving it; and the Publishers cannot therefore refrain from expressing a hope that their efforts in thus giving a faithful 

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