Résumé
The preface, written in French, introduces the novel by discussing the Greek approach to love and sexuality, which is presented as being in stark contrast to "Israelite tradition" and "Christian doctrine".
The author states that the book's main character is an "antique courtesan" who will not convert.
The text argues that the ancient Greeks viewed love as "the most virtuous sentiment" and that the novel is written with the "simplicity" of an Athenian's account.