preface

A preface is an introductory section of a book or other written work, typically written by the author. It explains why the work was created, its aims and scope, and the author's perspective or approach. A preface is optional and is usually placed at the beginning, after the title page and before the main text or the first chapter.

A preface differs from an introduction and from a foreword. The introduction presents the subject matter, arguments, and structure of the work and is often part of the formal content. The foreword is usually written by someone other than the author and serves to endorse or situate the book within a broader context. By contrast, the preface concerns the author’s reasons for writing, the process of creation, and any acknowledgments or departures from the original plan.

Typical content of a preface includes the motivation for writing, the methods or sources used, acknowledgments of individuals or institutions that assisted the work, and notes on revisions or publication history. It may address the intended audience, the scope and limitations of the work, or personal reflections on the writing process. The length and tone of a preface vary widely by genre and publish model; some prefaces are brief and formal, while others are more personal.

Etymology traces the word to the Latin praefatio, meaning “a speaking before,” borrowed into English via French. The preface remains a conventional feature in many non-fiction, scholarly, and memoir works, though not all books include one.