In writing this ponderous tome, the author's desire has been to describe the eminent characters and remarkable events of our annals in such a form and style that the YOUNG may make acquaintance with them of their own accord. For this purpose, while ostensibly relating the adventures of a chair, he has endeavored to keep a distinct and unbroken thread of authentic history.... The author, it is true, has sometimes assumed the license of filling up the outline of history with details for which he has none but imaginative authority, but which, he hopes, do not violate nor give a false coloring to the truth.--Preface.
Grandfather's Chair records, in narrative form, New England chronicles from 1620 to the War for Independence. Biographical Stories are tales of West, Newton, Johnson, Cromwell, Franklin, and Queen Christina, told to a little boy with defective sight. The book has a biographical sketch, notes, and illustrations.
Hemstreet, Charles.
The Story of Manhattan.
Scribner. 1.00
Here the history of New York City is told as a story, in few words. The effort has been to make it accurate and interesting. The illustrations are largely from old prints and wood engravings. Few dates are used. Instead, a Table of Events has been added which can readily be referred to. The Index to Chapters also gives the years in which the story of each chapter occurs.--Preface.
Hill, C. T.
Fighting a Fire.
Century. 1.50
An interesting account of the methods used in extinguishing fires and the thrilling experiences of the firemen in the city of New York, which will enthrall boys.