Preface.
The success which has attended the publication of the first volume of this work has far exceeded my most sanguine expectations. The cordial manner in which the press has reviewed the book has greatly cheered and encouraged me in the preparation of the second volume. The life of Birmingham since the year 1840—the time at which these annals close—has been one of great activity and interest; which, at some future time. I hope to narrate. The relation of the modern life of the town would require a mode of treatment different from that which has been found so acceptable in the present work. It would not be necessary, nor desirable, to reproduce the reprints and extracts from the newspapers with the same copiousness; but to give the results in a consecutive and more compressed form. Should I live, it is my intention so to complete the story of Birmingham life.
I have now only to return my hearty thanks to the many friends who have helped and encouraged me in the production of these two volumes; and to the press for the cordial greeting and the generous recognition which my self-imposed labour of love has received.
Birmingham, July, 1871.
