Note: In the 1900 edition (which states 1899 copyright evidently for this, the only new content), it spans pp. [iii]-xi under the heading "Introductory Sketch", in two parts:

• 1. prose of the expected nature, to p.ix, there signed "John Kendrick Bangs" (autograph), "Yonkers, N.Y., August 20, 1899"
• 2. "Some Comments upon the Asbestos Edition: published by Gutenberg, Plantin & Caxton, of Cimmeria", p.ix to p.xi, there signed "Gutenberg, Plantin & Caxton // Cimmeria, 1899"

Among other things the first part indicates that the book was conceived and written in 1894. The second part is series of quotations attributed to some of the characters in the book, Associated Shades. It begins, "Dr. Johnson: I am not familiar with the American language, and have therefore been unable to read it. Is it to be published in English?"