a great number, though not all, of the works he desired to see, from the University Library of Cambridge. There is one MS. in this volume of very high importance to the curious in the general History of England. On examining and collating the works already published, relating to the Topography of Sussex, the following appeared to be the only important standard ones:-"Dallaway's History of the City and Rape of Chichester," 4to. 5l. 58., very scarce; "Ditto of the Rape of Arundel, republished by Cartwright," 5l. 58.; 66 Cartwright's History of the Rape of Bramber," 51. 5s.; "Horsefield's History of Lewes and its Vicinity," 4l. 48.; "Moss's History of Hastings," 12s. These are not only very expensive publications, but, with scanty exceptions, leave the whole of the eastern, and by far the more interesting half of the county undescribed. The following places, which have been principally enlarged upon in this volume, were almost untrodden ground: - NEWHAVEN, SEAFORD, EASTBOURNE, PEVENSEY, ST. LEONARD'S, WINCHelsea, RYE, BATTLE, and HURSTмONCEUX. Whilst, for the very same reasons, the account of the western division has been rendered very concise, with the exception of Worthing and Goodwood; the former from its in creased interest, and the latter from real respect for the noble possessor. The extent and responsibility of this undertaking, compared with the limited time in which it was desirable it should be produced, were found so unexpectedly weighty, that the spirit and ability, and, latterly, the health of the author nearly sunk beneath it. Although it is published by the highly respectable booksellers at Brighton, with perfect mutual good understanding, he alone is responsible for any sentiments it may contain. Whilst the materials were collected with industry, a considerable part of the volume was written with the greatest haste; he is well aware it cannot stand the test of CALLIGRAPHY, perhaps in some instances scarcely of ORTHOGRAPHY. Such as it is, however, it is now before the world, and they must deal with it and its author as they please. For his own part, he can only say, that he takes his leave of them with all charitable and good wishes. London, January, 1833. |