What is a Foreword?
An introductory section of a book, typically written by someone other than the author.
Looking Forward to the Foreword
A foreword is an exciting part of a book that provides context and sets the tone for what's to come. This section is typically written by someone other than the author, and serves as an introduction for the reader.
Forewords can be particularly useful for works of fiction or non-fiction that are rooted in a specific cultural context or time period as they can provide readers with a deeper understanding of the book's significance. Writers will often invite experts in a particular field or respected figures to pen the foreword, adding to its allure and credibility.
As a budding author or avid reader, appreciating the value of a well-written foreword is key to enhancing your literary experience.
Forewords have existed for centuries and been written for books of all genres and subjects - here are two examples we love:
In the foreword, John Green confesses that the story was deeply personal to him and explained the technical aspects he researched to make the story authentic.
'This is not so much an author's note as an author's reminder of what was printed in small type a few pages ago: This book is a work of fiction. I made it up.'
Zora Neale Hurston's friend and fellow writer, Alice Walker, wrote an impassioned foreword (in 1978) for this novel which had already been published in 1937, one that helped establish Hurston's place in American literature.
'There is no book more important to me than this one.'