Lemprière wished "to give the most accurate and satisfactory account of all the proper names which occur in reading the Classics, and by a judicious collection of anecdotes and historical facts to draw a picture of ancient times, not less instructive than entertaining."
Lemprière intended to present the most precise and appealing account of all the proper names found in reading the Classics, using a selection of anecdotes and historical facts to depict ancient times, equally instructive and entertaining.