Předmluva a doslov jako párové peritexty knihy

The author focuses on two elements which comprise the frame of a literary work of art: the preface and the ending, sometimes called the prologue and epilogue. They belong to the unstable elements of a work of art, mainly because sometimes the authors include only one of them. The function of a preface is to explain the reader why he or she should read the work, which is noticeable in all the arguments included (i.e. the work of a very talented artist, interesting topic, unique analysis of a problem etc.). There are also elements explaining the genesis of the work or its context, sometimes clues how to understand the work of art. In the ending the author or the publisher of a literary work of art provides further information, whose aim is to influence the way of its interpretation. The ending may also contain information about the author (his or her life and other works), indicating the context of the work’s origin. The author warns us that the preface and the ending ought not to be mistaken with academic commentary, which is a part of the academic addition to the work of art.