introductions are never any fun to read...i try to read them, esp for my lit books but most of the time i manage to get as far as page 4 =)... but if ever there's an introduction to read, it's got to be the one by Brad Leithauser for John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath Everyman's Library edition - succinct, it was bearable =) but what delighted the most was it was laudatory while being critical, praise and criticism measured evenly. though written in an even tone of voice, it left no doubt for the admiration of the author. it was insightful and an absolutely engaging read.