Only now do I decide to introduce a foreword to this Marquesan diary of Paul Gauguin, and I certainly do not intend to point out its value, spirit, and charm with the usual pathos. Because it is valuable, witty, and charming, I translated and published this book, which will speak for itself. However, particular attention should be drawn to the following: not only must the reader repeatedly remember Gauguin's constantly recurring phrase: Ceci n'est pas un livre while reading, but they must also know that this manuscript, originating from the estate, was not in a publishable state in its present form (if the author even considered its publication), meaning it was not revised, polished, or refined. The translator, however, did not feel entitled to improve the author in this regard, as he was committed to making the translation as faithful to the original words and style as possible.