Medieval and modern times; an introduction to the history of western Europe from the dissolution of the Roman Empire to the opening of the great war of 1914

Front matter

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Preface

This volume is a very careful and thoroughgoing revision of the author's Introduction to the History of Western Europe, which first appeared in 1902. The presentation has been simplified so as to adapt the book especially to use in high schools and preparatory schools, although it can readily be employed in colleges as the basis of an introductory course in general European history, when supplemented by outside reading. The treatment of medieval times, especially of the Church, has been considerably reduced with a view of permitting a more adequate discussion of recent times. This saving of space and other condensations and omissions have made it possible" to devote a hundred pages more than in the original edition to the developments of the past hundred years.

The illustrations have been selected with great care from the standpoint of their educational value. The explanatory legend under each of them serves to add much information which it would have been awkward to include in the general narrative. These numerous cuts have inevitably added to the length of the volume, but it should be noted that the narrative itself is somewhat shorter than that in the original edition.

In the revision and expansion of the latter part of the book the author is under great obligations to his friends and colleagues, Professors Charles A. Beard and James T. Shotwell. A great deal of time and thought has been given to the selection of suitable illustrations, and in this Mr. Edward K. Robinson

of Boston has given us constant aid and advice.

J. H. R.

Columbia University New York City

Contents

I. Western Europe before the Barbarian Invasions

i. Prelude I

2. The Roman Empire and its Government 4