state of "Copywrong" as when my father lived and wrote so energetically upon its shortcomings. Consequently, by the lapse of years, some of his works will erelong be at the mercy of those he so aptly called "Bookaneers." To the grievances and injuries. of the Copyright law, so ably and humorously chronicled by my father, he might have added that of his heirs being reduced in protection of their just rights to the level of vendors of quack medicines, in advertising the original as the only genuine article, and as he says, "It must be an ungrateful generation, that in its love for cheap copies, can lose all regard for the dear originals !'"* FRANCES FREELING BRODERIF. *See "Petition of Thomas Hood," Complete Works, vol. v. p. 366. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE PUBLISHERS. Several weeks ago the copyright of the First Series of the "Whims and Oddities" lapsed, and a London bookseller issued it in a cheap form, as though it were the entire work, and advertised his copies of the Author's drawings as the original illustrations. As the copyright of the Second Series of the "Whims and Oddities," and many of the pieces in the present volume, does not expire for a considerable period, the Publishers beg to advise the public that no editions of the works of Thomas Hood, save those bearing their imprint, can possibly be complete, or be of any pecuniary value to the family of the Author. 44 Dover Street, W., April 1869. |