I usually read it after, not before the main contents. Especially if it’s some classic I’ve been meaning to read. I’d rather read the book first, form my opinion, and then see how the [usually] editor or translator or academic sees it. Reading the introduction first in most of these cases would make me go into those stories with a set opinion or with certain expectations, and I don’t like that.
Addendum: the exceptions are with the more ancient classics or with mediaeval works such as THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH or BEOWULF, respectively, where the introduction places the narrative in its proper, very useful and much needed historical context.
I stopped because I realized I was putting books down because the introductions were so long that I was getting bored before every starting the book proper, so books I was super excited about, I was getting turned off from because of boring introductions.
Depends on the book. If the introduction isn’t written by the author, and is instead written about the book and its impact, usually I just skip it, or read it after I read the book. If it’s written by the author and important to the story, then I’ll read it.
I read them oo. I start my reading from the coverpage, read the acknowledgement and all. It makes me understand the author and better see what he had in mind when writing the book
Yeah, I’m not a fan of the extras. I just want the story.
Yes
No
Sometimes lol
I seldom read introduction. Plunge into the story as soon as I open the book.
No
I usually read it after, not before the main contents. Especially if it’s some classic I’ve been meaning to read. I’d rather read the book first, form my opinion, and then see how the [usually] editor or translator or academic sees it. Reading the introduction first in most of these cases would make me go into those stories with a set opinion or with certain expectations, and I don’t like that.
Addendum: the exceptions are with the more ancient classics or with mediaeval works such as THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH or BEOWULF, respectively, where the introduction places the narrative in its proper, very useful and much needed historical context.
Every single time. I only care about the story
Haha yes! Occasionally I will but most of the time I want the damn story!
Very rarely will I read it.
No because I know an author that sometimes writes stories in their introduction
I’ll skim through it quickly, just to make sure I didn’t miss any important info!
Almost always lol.
I find a good introduction to a book can be insightful to a book
I always read it. It’s there for a reason, right?
I stopped because I realized I was putting books down because the introductions were so long that I was getting bored before every starting the book proper, so books I was super excited about, I was getting turned off from because of boring introductions.
No
Yes
It depends on how I feel at the time.
Always
Depends on the book. If the introduction isn’t written by the author, and is instead written about the book and its impact, usually I just skip it, or read it after I read the book. If it’s written by the author and important to the story, then I’ll read it.
I usually read it. I’m usually afraid I will have missed something if I don’t
All the time
I read them.
Yep, unless its an author I read often and love I skip it.
I skip it almost always.
Depends on the book
98% of the time yes. Or the I did this for blah blah.. lol ?
I did when i was younger. Not anymore though.
I read them after I’ve finished the story sometimes, if I really like the book
I know while I write them, I’m thinking that no one reads them, lol.
Skip. I want to judge the story or information for myself. I don’t want someone else’s opinion’s or analysis coloring my experience.
I always do
Always
I read them if they do not give away what the book is about, and I will read it if when finishing the tale holding I am enthralled by the author
I never read them, until I’m done with the book, because reading the Introduction is like reading the book.
Never. I read the book cover to cover including title page and publisher information. How else can I find out how to stalk the author?
Usually- I might read after I read the book.
Never!!!!
Ha! Ha!…I sussed readers like you and included the introduction at the end of the first chapter!
Busted!!!
@Debs ?
depends xD
I read introduction, acknowledgement, prologue, I read Everything !! ??
I read them oo. I start my reading from the coverpage, read the acknowledgement and all. It makes me understand the author and better see what he had in mind when writing the book
I skim over it and then maybe read it after I read the book.