Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Seventy Centuries of the Life of Mankind, Vol. 1 of 2: In a Survey of History From the Earliest Known Records Through All Stages of Civilization, in All Important Countries, Down to the Present Time; Ancient and Medieval
The method of historical composition which these writers have illustrated so finely is one that appeals to my admiration, and to my judgment of values in historical work. I have given much thought to its principles, and am bold enough, in my present undertaking, to attempt the largest possible application of them, in a comprehensive survey of the whole of human history, from its dawn to the present day. The resulting exhibit differs essentially, in mode and character, from any other of like scope that I know. The aim in it has been to sift out almost every thing that does not contribute importantly to a clear dis closure of the main movements in events, the occasional changes of direction in such movements, the marking thereby of epochs and periods that are more or less distinct, and the continuity of the forces that act in them throughout. If I have succeeded even partially in my undertaking, I can feel that I have not done an uncalled for work; because success will mean some helpfulness to those who read it in comprehending History as a whole, and in subsequently seeking a better knowledge of its parts with a livelier interest in the details.
My first essay toward this work was made in a general sketch of European history, published in my History for Ready Reference, readers of which sketch have often urged me to extend it, or extend the plan of it, as I have now done. In parts of the present writing I have made considerable use of the former essay, but with ex tensive recasting, revision and enlargement, so that even the European sections of the survey are essentially new.
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