Analysis of the Science of Legislation, from the Italian of the Chevalier Filangieri
Contributions
- William Kendall
- author
Related resources
- is paratext of
- Analysis of the Science of Legislation, from the Italian of the Chevalier Filangieri translation has paratext
Summary (extracted citations)
In the preface Kendall explained the reason to introduce a work by a foreigner in these terms: (p.III-IV) "Notwithstanding the many excellent productions of a political tendency which at intervals have appeared in England, it may be doubted whether the national character has yet attained energy sufficient to counteract the artifices of party eloquence. [...] our opinions are determined rather by the stubbornness of prepossession, than by the influence of judicious inquiry: and the distrust which accompanies our prejudices [...] effectually prevents our deriving any considerable benefit from their abilities [...] Under such circumstances it seems peculiarly reasonable to introduce a foreign Author to notice, whose arguments, unsullied by the remotest suspicion of interest or national attachments, may be examined by all parties without diffidence or apprehension. [...] (p.V) the following pages have been cautiously compared with the original, although a literal translation has by no means been aimed at, it is presumed they may at least lay claim to the praise of fidelity in all that regards the Author's sense. [...] (the Translator) is inclined to a opinion, that the liberal (p. VI) and manly stile adopted by this writer, in exposing the numerous errors which disgrace our present systems of jurisprudence [...] (p. VI) will render a translation, executed with fidelity, by no means unacceptable to an English reader".