Edmond François Valentin About (14 February 1828 – 16 January 1885) was a French novelist, publicist and journalist. (wikipedia)
But as the Pope has a long arm, which might reach me in France, I have gone a little out of the way to tell him the plain truths contained in these pages.
I have been further enlightened by the conversation and correspondence of some illustrious Italians, whom I would gladly name, were I not afraid of exposing them to danger.
It was in the Papal States that I studied the Roman Question. I traveled over every part of the country; I conversed with men of all opinions, examined things very closely, and collected my information on the spot.
Marriage, in life, is like a duel in the midst of a battle.
