The Publisher would think himself unworthy of the general Encouragement he has met with, in the Course of this critical Undertaking, could he permit the preceding List to be printed without offering his humblest Thanks to the Honourable and respectable Persons who appear as Patrons of his Labours, and the Encouragers of dawning Merit, as well as to the many distinguished Names which ornament his private List. When it is considered that the Artists of this Kingdom, seldom or never have been employed in Miniature Engraving, beyond the scanty Encouragement of a Sixpenny Magazine, it need not be wondered that the French, at present, boast so much of their superior Excellence in this delicate Art; nor, when it is known that a Pencil Character in particular, who ranks himself with the first of his Profession, and some others, who but fancy themselves to be Connoisseurs in the Art, have been wantonly sportive on English Engraving, and cruelly endeavoured to impede and damp the Progress of this Work, rather than promote its Success—no longer need it remain a Matter of Surprise, that the Genius of England, in this particular Branch, has so long been enveloped in a Cloud.

Regardless of these Pseudo-Critics, who should endeavour to promote rather than protract the Advancement of their pretended favourite Studies, the Publisher of the present Undertaking will persevere, with a becoming Spirit, in his Design of producing Works of Elegance and intrinsic Merit. The Favour and Indulgence he has already experienced, are flattering Testimonies of public Approbation, and sufficient Inducements for him to proceed with Resolution. If he should by any Means fail, in his future Attempts, he still will have the Satisfaction of having evinced that this Species of Art, by proper Encouragement, may soon be brought to as great Perfection in this, as in any other Country. Throughout every Department of this Work, the Publisher has been particularly desirous of producing Perfection; should any Blemishes appear, he hopes they will not be attributed to his Want of Attention, having procured the best Materials, and spared no Expence in the Execution. The Publisher having given a Portrait of Mr. Garrick, and an engraved Title-page to each Volume, more than he originally proposed, he now sends his long-promised Work into the World, and hopes it will meet with general Satisfaction. He has solicited and obtained the Patronage of the generous Public, in the present Undertaking, and hopes through a Continuance of it, to complete Shakespeare's Works, with equal, if not superior Elegance. The Engravings for the remaining Plays are nearly finished, by a select Number of the most ingenious Artists, which, with the Letter-press, will be published early next Spring, in three Volumes, Price Nine Shillings sewed; those, therefore, who wish to complete their Setts, will be pleased to forward their Address, as soon as possible, to their most obliged, and
obedient humble Servant,