*** start of the project gutenberg ebook 1441 *** the story of an african farm by (aka ralph iron) olive schreiner preface. i have to thank cordially the public and my critics for the reception they have given this little book. dealing with a subject that is far removed from the round of english daily life, it of necessity lacks the charm that hangs about the ideal representation of familiar things, and its reception has therefore been the more kindly. a word of explanation is necessary...