The First Epoch: The Story Begun by Walter Hartright, of Clement's Inn, Teacher of Drawing
- A drawing teacher named Walter Hartright (thanks, conveniently descriptive chapter title) announces that he's going to tell us a story.
- Given the size of this book, it's going to be a rather long story, so make yourselves comfortable.
- Walter would like you all to know that his story is very factual and truthful.