Bibliothèque mondiale du cheval

« The papers which compose this series, in part original and new, are herein published, not in chronological order as they were written, but in chronological order as the events occurred to which they relate they are in close connection as to time, place, and I believe, historic verisimilitude they are intended to illustrate the habits of society, life, and manners, the usages and feelings, both military and domestic, of various countries, at various epochs, from the commencement of chivalry in the crusades, to its conclusion in the epoch of Louis XIV., of France. I have no more to say in explanation, either of my work, or of my motives in producing it, but only to submit it to the candor and kindness of my readers, be they few or many. » Présentation de l’éditeur (1852)