The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/Publisher's Preface to the Third Edition
The Publisher's Preface to The Third Edition.
When the Second Edition of Motherwell's Poems was published in 1847, it was stated in the Preface that the fragments of poetry which he had left behind him in manuscript, and which were not included in that volume, might be given to the public at some future day, should any encouragement be offered for pursuing such a course. This the Publisher has now determined to do; but before taking such a step he resolved to submit the pieces in question to the critical scrutiny of Motherwell's old friend and poetical ally, Mr William Kennedy, who chanced to be in Scotland at the time. The reader will, therefore, be good enough to understand that the Poems added to this Edition have been selected by Mr Kennedy, and are published under his express authority. The Publisher is gratified in being able to make this statement, as it relieves him from a responsibility which he feels that it would not be becoming in him to incur.