for other readers as well, and it is hoped that this may be the case with the little books the first instalment of which is now given to the world. The General Sketch will be followed by a series of special histories of particular countries, which will take for granted the main principles laid down in the General Sketch. In every case the results of the latest historical research will be given in as simple a form as may be, and the several numbers of the series will all be so far under the supervision of the Editor as to secure general accuracy of statement and a general harmony of plan and sentiment; but each book will be the original work of its author, who will be responsible for his own treatment of smaller details. The Editor himself undertakes the histories of Rome and Switzerland, while the others have been put into the hands of various competent and skilful writers. It The first volume is meant to be introductory to the whole course. is intended to give, as its name implies, a general sketch of the history of the civilized world, that is, of Europe, and of the lands which have drawn their civilization from Europe. Its object is to trace out the general relations of different periods and different countries to one another, without going minutely into the affairs of any particular country. This is an object of the first importance, for without clear notions of general history', the history of particular countries can never be rightly understood. The narrative extends from the earliest movements of the Aryan peoples, down to the latest events both on the Eastern and Western Continents. The book consists of seventeen moderately sized chapters, each chapter being divided into a number of short numbered paragraphs, each with a title prefixed clearly indicative of the subject of the paragraph. "It supplies the great want of a good foundation for historical teaching. The scheme is an excellent one, and this instalment has been executed in a way that promises much for the volumes that are yet to appear."-EDUCATIONAI. TIMES. I. GENERAL SKETCH OF EUROPEAN HISTORY. By EDWARD A. FREEMAN, D. C.L. Third Edition. 18mo. cloth. 3s. 6d. II. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. BY EDITH THOMPSON. 18mo. 2s. 6d. "Freedom from prejudice, simplicity of style, and accuracy of statcmen!, are the characteristics of this little volume. It is a trustworthy text-book and likely to be generally serviceable in schools.”—PAll Mall Gazette. "Upon the whole, this manual is the best sketch of English history for the use of young people we have yet met with."-ATHENÆUM. III. SCOTLAND. By MARGARET MACARThur. 23. IV. ITALY. By the Rev. WILLIAM HUNT, M.A. 35. FRANCE. By the Rev. J. R. GREEN, M.A. Yonge (Charlotte M.)-A PARALLEL HISTORY OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND: consisting of Outlines and Dates. By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE, Author of "The Heir of Redclyffe," "Cameos of English History," &c. &c. Oblong 4to. 35. 6d. This tabular history has been drawn up to supply a want felt by many teachers of some means of making their pupils realize what events in the two countries were contemporary. A skeleton narrative has been constructed of the chief transactions in either country, placing a column between for what affected both alike, by which means it is hoped that young people may be assisted in grasping the mutual relation of events. "We can imagine few more really advantageous courses of historical study for a young mind than going carefully and steadily through Miss Yonge's excellent little book."-EDUCATIONAL TIMES. CAMEOS FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. From Rollo to Edward II. By the Author of "The Heir of Redclyffe." Extra fcap. 8vo. Second Edition, enlarged. 3s. 6d. The endeavour has not been to chronicle facts, but to put together a series of pictures of persons and events, so as to arrest the attention, and give some individuality and distinctness to the recollection, by gathering together details at the most memorable moments. The Cameos" are intended as a book for young people just beyond the elementary histories of England, and able to enter in some degree into the real spirit of events, and to be struck with characters and scenes presented in some relief. "Instead of dry details," says the NONCONFORMIST, we have living pictures, faithful, vivid, and striking." A SECOND SERIES OF CAMEOS FROM ENGLISH HISTORY. THE WARS IN FRANCE. Extra fcap. 8vo. pp. xi. 415. 5s. This new volume, closing with the Treaty of Arras, is the history of the struggles of Plantagenet and Valois. It refers, accordingly, to one of the most stirring epochs in the medieval era, including the battle of Poictiers, the great Schism of the West, the Lollards, Agincourt and Joan of Arc. The authoress reminds her readers that she aims merely at "collecting from the best authorities such details as may present scenes and personages to the eye in some fulness;" her CAMEOS are a "collection of historical scenes and portraits such as the young might find it difficult to form for themselves without access to a very complete library." Though mainly intended," says the JOHN BULL, "for young readers, they will, if we mistake not, be found very acceptable to those of more mature years, and the life and reality imparted to the dry bones of history cannot fail to be attractive to readers of every age." 66 EUROPEAN HISTORY. Narrated in a Series of Historical Selec- Crown When young children have acquired the outlines of History from abridg ments and catechisms, and it becomes desirable to give a more enlarged view of the subject, in order to render it really useful and interesting, a difficulty often arises as to the choice of books. Two courses are open, either to take a general and consequently dry history of facts, such as Russel's Modern Europe, or to choose some work treating of a particular period or subject, such as the works of Macaulay and Froude. The former course usually renders history uninteresting; the latter is unsatis, actory because it is not sufficiently comprehensive. To remedy this difficulty, Selections, continuous and chronological, have, in the present volume, been taken from the larger works of Freeman, Milman, Palgrave, and others, which may serve as distinct landmarks of historical reading. "We know of scarcely anything," says the GUARDIAN of this volume," which is so likely to rais to a higher level the average standard of English education." DIVINITY. For other Works by these Authors, see THEOLOGICAL CATALOGUE. Abbott (Rev. E. A.)-Works by the Rev. E. A. ABBOTT, M.A., Head Master of the City of London School :BIBLE LESSONS. Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 4s. 6a. This book is written in the form of dialogues carried on between a teacher and pupil, and its main object is to make the scholar think for himself. The great bulk of the dialogues represents in the spirit, and often in the words, the religious instruction which the author has been in the habit of giving to the Fifth and Sixth Forms of the City of London School. The author has endeavoured to make the dialogues thoroughly unsectarian. “Wise, suggestive, and really profound initiation into religious thought."-GUARDIAN. "I think nobody could read them without being both the better for them himself, and being also able to see how this difficult duty of imparting a sound religious education may be effected."—From BISHOP OF ST. DAVID'S SPEECH AT THE EDUCATION CONFERENCE AT ABERGWILLY. THE GOOD VOICES; A CHILD'S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE. Crown 8vo. cloth extra, gilt edges. 55. Mr. Abbott is already known as a most successful teacher of religious truth; it is believed that this little book will show that he can make Bible lessons attractive and edifying even to the youngest child. The book is quite devoid of all conventionality and catechetical teaching, and only endeavours in simple language and easy style, by means of short stories and illustrations from every quarter likely to interest a child, to imprint the rudiments of religious knowledge, and inspire young ones with a desire to love and trust God, and to do what is right. The author wishes to imbue them with the feeling that at all times and in all circumstances, whether in town or country, at work or at play, they are living in the presence of a heavenly Father, who is continually speaking to them with the Good Voices of Nature and Revelation. The volume contains upwards of 50 woodcuts. PARABLES FOR CHILDREN. With Three Illustrations. Crown Svo., gilt edges. 35. 6d. "Contains a number of really delightfully written and yet simple barables, to be read out to little children as an introduction to Bible reading. They are certainly admirably adapted for the purpose. The style is colloquial and will be understood and appreciated by the youngest child, and the parables themselves are very interesting and well chosen." STANDARD. Arnold. A BIBLE-READING 66 FOR SCHOOLS. The GREAT PROPHECY OF ISRAEL'S RESTORATION (Isaiah, Chapters 40-66). Arranged and Edited for Young Learners. By MATTHEW ARNOLD, D.C.L., formerly Professor of Poetry in the University of Oxford, and Fellow of Oriel. Third Edition. 18mo. cloth. IS. 66 "Schools for the people," the power of letters—which embraces nothing less than the whole history of the human spirit—has hardly been brought to bear at all. Mr. Arnold, in this little volume, attempts to remedy this defect, by doing for the Bible what has been so abundantly done for Greek and Roman, as well as English authors, viz.-taking some whole, of admirable literary beauty in style and treatment, of manageable length, within defined limits; and presenting this to the learner in an intelligible shape, adding such explanations and helps as may enable him to grasp it as a connected and complete work." Mr. Arnold thinks it clear that nothing could more exactly suit the purpose than what the Old Testament gives us in the last twenty-seven chapters of the Book of Isaiah, beginning Comfort ye," &c. He has endeavoured to present a perfectly correct text, maintaining at the same time the unparalleled balance and rhythm of the Authorised Version. In an Introductory note, Mr. Arnold briefly sums up the events of Jewish history to the starting-point of the chapters chosen; and, in the copious notes appended, every assistance is given to the complete understanding of the text. There is nothing in the book to hinder the adherent of any school of interpretation or of religious belief from using it, and from putting it into the hands of children. The Preface contains much that is interesting and valuable on the relation of "letters" to education, of the principles that ought to guide the makers of a new version of the Bible, and other important matters. Altogether, it is believed the volume will be found to form a text-book of the greatest value to schools of all classes. "Mr. Arnold has done the greatest possible service to the public. We never read any translation of Isaiah which interfered so little with the musical rhythm and associations of our English Bible translation, while doing so much to display the missing links in the connection of the parts.”—SPECTATOR. |