Preface represents one of the most important moments of the paratext because it allows to understand better either author and or his work. Different functions linked to a preface (presentation of the work, author’s intent communication, defence instrument) are all found in Chevrier’s production. François‐Antoine Chevrier (1721‐1762) is known as one of the most problematic author in the eighteenth century because of his satirical and polemical vein which causes continuous and repeated attacks during two centuries. Chevrier only writes a post‐preface which, it is not a case, accompanies Le colporteur, his most famous novel. The author writes a post‐preface to defend himself telling to have painted only personalities whose scandals are well known by society. Analysis concerning Chevrier’s preface and post‐preface will permit to destroy prejudices, which are for a long time perpetuated, to understand more deeply his personality and his works.
