PREFACE. IN consenting to the publication of this volume, I am well aware that the world is overstocked with Diaries and Tours in Italy. The present work, however, is, I think, different from any which I have seen. I have attempted no classical descriptions, no critical account of the arts, scarcely even a journal of the roads. My principal object in writing the following Letters, was to relate to one interested in all my details our every-day life, while domesticated in Italy; and also to give my friend my impressions of the present state of religion and of society in that country. It has appeared to others, as well as to myself, that a plain relation of such facts, as in a residence of three years I had an opportunity of observing, in respect to the actual state of the Roman Catholic Church, may be read with interest; and the belief that no PAGE 21 mercred a. The present ferent from any Set in Classval The arts, scaredy • My pencipal object was to relate to. as our every-day Li and also to give the present state of that country. It Pell as to myself, th , as in a reside ortunity of obser of the Roman th interest; and A 3 Forums ession at FACE rio gli tom of this volume, world as overstocked The lio 109 20 Itaiv. The present , derent from any ve attempted no classical count of the arts, scarcely My principal object g Letters, was to relate to detais our every-day life, Italy; and also to give my of the present state of reli that country. It has ap Cauty of obseving, a respect merest; and the bone that fa 126 133 140 43 |