Heroes of history

Introduction

This reader follows the Syllabus of historical and biographical narrative which was. so admirably arranged for the use of boys and girls, by the New York Board of Education in the spring of 1903.

This Syllabus, given on the next page, includes the names of famous men of all times and of many nationalities. In the sketches of their lives, given in the following pages, the aim has been, so far as possible, to bring out those biographical and dramatic elements which make the strongest appeal to the child’s attention. In mythology and in Greek and Roman history, the topics follow one another so closely in thought that a slight connection has been made. But no attempt has been made to secure such a linking between the others.

Few dates have been used and few long names ; but the seriousness of the subjects has demanded that some be introduced. Geographical questions have been proposed in some of the lessons, whenever it has seemed desirable. In order to make the chapters more vivid, it is suggested that a map be kept before the class.

There is in the schools to-day a growing recognition of the necessity of developing in the pupils a love for the study of history. If this book succeeds in bringing the boys and girls who read it into friendship with some of the world’s heroes ; if it kindles a desire to know more of their lives and times by further reading, and so teaches the “love of books”; if it makes history seem like real life, and inspires any boy or girl to imitate its noblest actors in courage, fidelity, and patriotism, its purpose will be fulfilled.

IDA PRENTICE WHITCOMB, Principal of Girls' School^ Brooklyn^ New York.

GRADE 5 A

COURSE OF STUDY

Historical and biographical narratives. Ethical lessons. SYLLABUS

Historical and biographical narratives are taken from Oriental and European history. Typical names are suggested, but it is not presumed that all can be considered in a half year. Only a brief sketch of those studied is expected. Those which are considered of greatest importance in the periods covered for the purpose of this course are printed in capitals.

China, CONFUCIUS ; India, BUDDHA ; Egypt, RAMESES H, Cheops; Assyria, SARDANAPALUS ; Babylonia, NEBUCHADNEZZAR ; Hebrews, MOSES, Solomon ; Phoenicia, HIRAM.

Greece: Jason, HERCULES, HOMER, Achilles, Ulysses, Theseus, Lycurgus, DELPHIC ORACLE, Olympic Games, SOLON, Croesus, MARATHON, THERMOPY- JjM, Salamis, SOCRATES, Alcibiades, DEMOSTHENES, ALEXANDER.

Rome: ^neas, ROMULUS, Cincinnatus, PYRRHUS, HANNIBAL, Cato, THE GRACCHI, C.ESAR, Spartacus, Cicero, Nero, POMPEII, Constantine.

Europe in Mediaeval Times : ATTILA, NIBELUNGEN- LIED, CLOVIS, Augustine, MOHAMMED, Charles Martel, CHARLEMAGNE, Roland, Peter the Hermit, BARBA- ROSSA, Rienzi, THE BLACK PRINCE, JOAN OF ARC, Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama.

Europe in Modern Times : Galileo, William the Silent, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS, PETER THE GREAT, Frederick the Great, The French Revolution, NAPOLEON, Garibaldi, Kossuth, BISMARCK.

Contents

PAGE

I

China and Confucius . 7