PREFACE.

IN the following work it has been the endeavour, both of the artist and the compiler, to exhibit, as near as their limits would allow, London as it is: but that its antiquities have not been neglected, its numerous engravings will undeniably evince. These affording views of the principal public edifices, &c. of ancient and modern London, may be viewed as a kind of panoramic sketch of this great Metropolis in a more portable form than has ever yet been offered to the public.

With respect to the contents at large, notwithstanding that some errors or omissions may be unavoidable in the description of an extensive variety of objects, necessarily evanescent, it is presumed that

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the present little work embraces every recent change and improvement within its circuit, forming a diversity equally pleasant and useful, and at the same time embracing every species of information that can distinguish any other former or contemporary production of this kind; designed not only for the local reader, but as an elegant and acceptable companion for a country visitant, relative, or friend.

THE EDITOR.