It is admittedly difficult to give to beginners just the proper modicum of knowledge of ancient history to make the later ages understandable, but such a task should not be impossible, and it is hoped that this book, which has avoided dates, names and details as far as is consistent with sensible teaching, may not fail entirely in its object.
The scene is laid in that centre of all early civilization, the Mediterranean, and the fortunes of all the mighty nations that lived and fought round its shores are traced in bold outline: Egypt, Crete, Babylon—the Jews, Greeks and Romans—all contribute their chapters to this wonderful story. The author finally gathers all the threads together, and leaves the reader at Rome at the dawn of the new era of Christianity.
Vol. II—The Further Story of the Old World up to the Discovery of the New. With Map and Illustrations. 3s. 6d.
The "Greatest Story" is here taken up at the point at which it was left in the first volume; that is, about the year 100 A.D. Throughout that first volume our land of Britain scarcely had a place. In the latter part of the period—100 A.D.-1500 A.D.—which this second volume covers, men of Britain played a great role. The World story thus becomes, in some measure, England's also. Moreover, where there have seemed to be two or more ways open for the telling of the story, the author has always tried to adopt what he calls the English way, the way which seemed likely to bring it most warmly and intimately to English hearts and minds. He has tried to adapt it for scholars perhaps a year or so older than for those for whom the first volume was written.
Vol. III—The Development of the Modern World. With Illustrations. 3s. 6d.
This third and final volume deals with the period which must appeal more forcibly than any earlier time to all of Anglo-Saxon race.
The author, in his preface, explains how his work has been inspired by Green's famous statement—that "England is only a small part of the outcome of English history. Its greater issues lie, not within the narrow limits of the mother island, but in the destinies of nations yet to be. The struggles of her patriots, the wisdom of her statesmen, the steady love of liberty and law in her people at large, were shaping in the past of our little island the future of mankind."