It is proposed to have the series present the results of the latest investigations in the progressive department of historical research. Disputed points will, however, not be discussed, but, instead, the writers will present, in a simple, direct, and graphic style, the story of each land, utilizing also, to illuminate the narrative, the side lights that the poets and novelists have cast upon it.
Possessing a knowledge of and sympathy with the youthful way of looking at such subjects, the writers will not offer annals, arid and unconnected, nor bare chronological statements of events, however complete. They will not expect to include all details of minor importance, but, on the contrary, will try to present pictures adapted to leave faithful impressions of the essential facts.
The editors will endeavor to preserve a unity of design and execution that will enable the series to give to the reader a survey of the rise and progress of the nations sufficient to form a sound basis for subsequent reading and study; but it will not be attempted to cover in detail the entire ground of universal history.
The subjects of the different volumes will be planned to cover connecting and, as far as possible, consecutive epochs or periods, so that the set when completed will present in a comprehensive narrative the chief events in the great STORY OF THE NATIONS; but it will, of course, not always prove practicable to issue the several volumes in their chronological order.
The “Stories” are printed in good readable type, and in handsome 12mo form. They are adequately illustrated and furnished with maps and indexes. They are sold separately, at a price of $1.50 each.
The following is a partial list of the subjects thus far determined upon:
THE STORY OF EGYPT. Prof. GEORGE RAWLINSON. ” ” ” *CHALDEA. Z. RAGOZIN. ” ” ” *GREECE. Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University. ” ” ” *ROME. ARTHUR GILMAN. ” ” ” *THE JEWS. Prof. JAMES K. HOSMER, Washington University of St. Louis. ” ” ” CARTHAGE. Prof. ALFRED J. CHURCH, University College, London. ” ” ” GAUL. ” ” ” BYZANTIUM. CHARLTON T. LEWIS. ” ” ” EARLY BRITAIN. Prof. ALFRED J. CHURCH. ” ” ” THE GOTHS. HENRY BRADLEY. ” ” ” THE NORMANS. SARAH O. JEWETT. ” ” ” PERSIA. S. G. W. BENJAMIN. ” ” ” *SPAIN. Rev. E. E. and SUSAN HALE. ” ” ” *GERMANY. S. BARING GOULD. ” ” ” THE ITALIAN REPUBLICS. ” ” ” HOLLAND. Prof. C. E. THOROLD ROGERS. ” ” ” *NORWAY. HJALMAR H. BOYESEN. ” ” ” THE MOORS IN SPAIN. STANLEY LANE-POOLE. ” ” ” *HUNGARY. Prof. A. VÁMBÉRY. ” ” ” THE ITALIAN KINGDOM. W. L. ALDEN.