Preface

First page of text in "A Guide to Health, Riches, Beauty, and Honour." Grose's preface. 

Example paragraph of preface. Page ii. 

Transition from preface to advertisements.

Though the majority of the book consists of collected advertisements, Grose’s own writing is featured in his eight-page preface, where he teases at the fact that a nation seemingly so advanced has produced a society wrought with frivolous needs. Grose opens with a theatrical proclamation of British superiority, and states:

“lest foreigners should doubt the truth of these assertions, and deem them the vain boastings of a man endeavoring to raise the honour of his native country, I have in evidence of my position a few advertisements from the many daily offered to the publick, containing invitations to Health, Beauty, Vigour, Wives, Places, Pensions, and Honours, all which may be had for money, and what leaves nothing to be wished for in this glorious country.”[1] 

While Grose’s writing seems to defend the notion of British selflessness, he intends to jest at the fact that the services advertised, promising riches and more fulfilled lifetimes, are offered solely for the purpose of sale. Among the advertisements included are those for medical treatment and marriage, though always coming with a caveat.