The author, having had unusual advantages for ob- serving the Socialistic movements, and especial good fortune in obtaining collections of observations made by others, has deemed it his duty to devote a year to the preparation of this history. As no other systematic account of American Socialisms exists, the facts here collected, aside from any interpretation of them, may be valuable to the student of history, and entertaining to the general reader. The present issue may be considered a proof-sheet, as carefully corrected as it can be by individual vigil- ance. It is hoped that it will call out from experts in Socialism and others, corrections and additions that will improve it for future editions. Wallingford, Conn., December, 1869. -iv- |