Avantpropos

Avant-propos is a term used to designate a short introductory section of a book that precedes the main text. It is generally written by the author and is intended to frame the work, explaining its aims, context, and method, and guiding the reader into the material to follow.

Origin and placement: The term is French, formed from avant- (before) and propos (speech, subject matter). In front matter, the avant-propos typically appears before the main narrative or argument, sometimes before the table of contents. It is distinct from other front matter such as the préface (prelude or foreword) and the introduction, though the boundaries between these elements can vary by tradition and publisher.

Content and tone: An avant-propos is usually concise and reflective, sometimes personal. It may recount how the work came into being, describe the author's objectives, acknowledge influences or support, and outline the scope or limits of the study. It is generally less formal than a full introduction.

Usage and equivalents: In francophone publishing, the avant-propos is a conventional part of front matter, though not universally included. In English-language practice, the function is often served by a preface or foreword; the exact label depends on who writes it and the publisher's conventions. The term avant-propos itself may appear in discussions of French literature or in translations to signal the same introductory function.

Related terms commonly encountered in front matter include préface, introduction, foreword, prologue, and other introductory material.