I've always wondered...

Does anyone know what the difference is between a preface and a prologue? I've tried doing some research on it, and I keep getting a variety of answers. Anyone know?
-Sea-

A preface: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preface

A prologue: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prologue

In short, a preface is written by the author about the work. It's not a part of the actual story. A prologue is actually part of the story, or rather the before-action.

Yay! Thank you so much. I love your avatar, by the way. Frogs are awesome.
-Sea-

The question always confused me too. xD There are also Forwards and Introductions. I've no idea what the difference with those are either (or if there is one)! *flails*

Also according to Wikipedia, a foreword is written by someone other than the work's author--i.e., The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain with a Foreword by John Updike.

I gather introductions are on the same line.

(And frogs are so very awesome. I love your signature )

I think Forwards and Introductions are the same thing, aren't they?
And I love your signature, too! I used to have a frog. I raised two from tadpoles, and it took a over 18 months more the one to complete the metamorphosis, and we gave the other to some friends who had a pond. I named them Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
-Sea-