of "The Portland Sketch Book" consists of a preface that outlines the editor's intentions behind the collection. It emphasizes the unique literary contributions of Portland authors and discusses the challenges faced in gathering original materials for the anthology. The preface provides insight into the rich literary heritage of Portland while also listing several contributors and introducing the themes that will be explored throughout the collection. The book sets the stage for a journey through the imaginations and experiences of those who have called Portland their home, promising an engaging read for those interested in regional literature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)