Great events in modern history

Front matter

I aREAT EVENTS

IN

MODERN HISTORY:

Preface

The object of the present work is to present, in a striking point of view, the most remarkable and influen tial events of modeni times. The author has not attempted a regular and continuous history, as that had already been given in the volume of his Pictorial History of the World, devoted to modern history. But he has in this volume brought together a series of narratives, of such a character as he considered likely to interest the reader strongly, and to leave a lasting impression on the memory, at the same time that they exhibit the salient points of history.

4 PREFACE.

It has been very justly remarked, that to be really and extensively useful, a book must be entertaining. Those which lack this characteristic, however laudable may be their design, and however able, accurate, and minute their execution, cannot be generally useful, because the mass of readers will not read them through. They may buy them from a sense of duty, because they are said to be good hooJcs; they may place them on a shelf and make a resolute attempt to read them occar sionally; but if the books are dry and repulsive, they are laid aside after the perusal of a few pages, and when repeated attempts to accomphsh the heavy task have failed, the undertaking is given up in desjDair. The volume is spoken of with great respect, and permitted to enjoy a dignified repose on the upper shelf.

This is a consummation which the author of this work has earnestly endeavoured to avoid. It will be seen, by a glance at the table of contents, that the events selected for narration are important and worthy of notice — interesting m themselves, in the characters they exhibit, and the bearing they have exerted on the destiny of mankind. The authorities cited are rehable ; and the authors quoted are among the most eminent classics in history, such as Robertson, Hume, Goldsmith, Macauley, Bonnechose, and others of equal reputation. It is humbly hoped, therefore, that the volume may prove an entertaining one, so that readers Avho once take it up will require no inducement but its interesting and entertaining character to insure their

PREFACE. 5

reading it through. If read through, it cannot fail to be useful. Its facts, and the great historical personages it exliibits will be remembered. They cannot be forgotten.

In order the better to insure the recollection of incidents and characters presented in this volume, the author has embellished it profusely with engravings. These graphic helps to the memory exert much influence in extending and popularizing the knowledge of history. They make the reader familiar with the subject, at the same time that they afford pleasure to the cultivated eye, and serve to diffuse among all classes of readers a certain degree of knowledge and taste in the fine arts.

The author is sensible to the high degree of indulgence with which his very humble efforts in the cause of national education have been regarded by his countrjnnen. The publishers' returns of copies sold afford a tolerably satisfactory proof that his works are very widely diffused among the people; and as this has been the case for many years, he has reason to believe that^ they are also approved. For this he is deeply grateful, and he will always endeavour to evince the sincerity of his gratitude by studiously aiming at real utility in whatever he may offer to the notice of the public.

Contents

lAGE

Introduction 15

Accession of Francis 1 17