[65]Euripides is the third of the great triumvirate of Greek dramatists. His works were very much admired by Milton and Fox. Read his "Alcestis," "Iphigenia," "Medea," and the "Bacchanals." (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[65]Euripides is the third of the great triumvirate of Greek dramatists. His works were very much admired by Milton and Fox. Read his "Alcestis," "Iphigenia," "Medea," and the "Bacchanals." (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[66]Aristophanes is the greatest of Greek comedy writers. His plays are great favorites with scholars, as a rule. Read the "Clouds," "Birds," "Knights," and "Plutus." (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[66]Aristophanes is the greatest of Greek comedy writers. His plays are great favorites with scholars, as a rule. Read the "Clouds," "Birds," "Knights," and "Plutus." (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[67]Pindar's triumphal odes stand in the front rank of the world's lyric poetry. (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[67]Pindar's triumphal odes stand in the front rank of the world's lyric poetry. (Greece, 5th cent.b. c.)
[68]Hesiod's "Theogony" contains the religious faith of Greece. He lived in or near the time of Homer.
[68]Hesiod's "Theogony" contains the religious faith of Greece. He lived in or near the time of Homer.
[69]Heine is the most remarkable German poet of this century. He has written many gems of rare beauty, and many sketches of life unmatched for racy freshness and graphic power.
[69]Heine is the most remarkable German poet of this century. He has written many gems of rare beauty, and many sketches of life unmatched for racy freshness and graphic power.
[70]Schiller is the second name in German literature; indeed, as a lover of men and as a poet of exquisite fancy, he far excels Goethe. He was a great philosopher, historian, and critic. Read his "Song of the Bell," and his drama of "Wallenstein," translated by Coleridge. (Germany, 18th cent.)
[70]Schiller is the second name in German literature; indeed, as a lover of men and as a poet of exquisite fancy, he far excels Goethe. He was a great philosopher, historian, and critic. Read his "Song of the Bell," and his drama of "Wallenstein," translated by Coleridge. (Germany, 18th cent.)
[71]Corneille, Racine, and Molière are the great French triumvirate of dramatists. Their object is to produce one massive impression. In this they follow the classic writers. A French, Greek, or Roman drama is to a Shakspearean play as a statue to a picture, as an idea carved out of Nature and rendered magnificently impressive by its isolation and the beauty of its modelling, to Nature itself. The historical and ethical value of the French plays is very great. Corneille is one of the grandest of modern poets. Read "The Cid" ("As beautiful as the Cid" became a proverb in France), and "Horace" (which is even more original and grand than "The Cid"), and "Cinna" (which Voltaire thought the best of all). Racine excels in grace, tenderness, and versatility. Read his "Phèdre." Molière was almost as profound a master of human nature on its humorous side as Shakspeare. He hates folly, meanness, and falsehood; he is always wise, tender, and good. Read "Le Misanthrope," or "The Man-Hater," and "Tartuffe," or "The Impostor." (17th cent.)
[71]Corneille, Racine, and Molière are the great French triumvirate of dramatists. Their object is to produce one massive impression. In this they follow the classic writers. A French, Greek, or Roman drama is to a Shakspearean play as a statue to a picture, as an idea carved out of Nature and rendered magnificently impressive by its isolation and the beauty of its modelling, to Nature itself. The historical and ethical value of the French plays is very great. Corneille is one of the grandest of modern poets. Read "The Cid" ("As beautiful as the Cid" became a proverb in France), and "Horace" (which is even more original and grand than "The Cid"), and "Cinna" (which Voltaire thought the best of all). Racine excels in grace, tenderness, and versatility. Read his "Phèdre." Molière was almost as profound a master of human nature on its humorous side as Shakspeare. He hates folly, meanness, and falsehood; he is always wise, tender, and good. Read "Le Misanthrope," or "The Man-Hater," and "Tartuffe," or "The Impostor." (17th cent.)
[74]Alfred de Musset is a famous French poet of this century, and is a great favorite with those who can enjoy charming and inspiring thoughts though mixed with the grotesque and extravagant.
[74]Alfred de Musset is a famous French poet of this century, and is a great favorite with those who can enjoy charming and inspiring thoughts though mixed with the grotesque and extravagant.
[75]Calderon de la Barca is one of the greatest dramatists of the world. His purity, power, and passion, his magnificent imagination and wonderful fertility, will place him in company with Shakspeare in the eternal society of the great. Read Shelley's fragments from Calderon, and Fitzgerald's translation, especially "Zalamea" and "The Wonder-Working Magician," two of his greatest plays. (Spain, 17th cent.)
[75]Calderon de la Barca is one of the greatest dramatists of the world. His purity, power, and passion, his magnificent imagination and wonderful fertility, will place him in company with Shakspeare in the eternal society of the great. Read Shelley's fragments from Calderon, and Fitzgerald's translation, especially "Zalamea" and "The Wonder-Working Magician," two of his greatest plays. (Spain, 17th cent.)
[76]Petrarch's lyrics have been models to all the great poets of Southern Europe. The subject of nearly all his poems is his hopeless affection for the high-minded and beautiful Laura de Sade. His purity is above reproach. He is pre-eminent for sweetness, pathos, elegance, and melody. (Italy, 14th cent.)
[76]Petrarch's lyrics have been models to all the great poets of Southern Europe. The subject of nearly all his poems is his hopeless affection for the high-minded and beautiful Laura de Sade. His purity is above reproach. He is pre-eminent for sweetness, pathos, elegance, and melody. (Italy, 14th cent.)
[77]Ariosto is Italy's great epic poet. Read his "Orlando Furioso," a hundred-fold tale of knights and ladies, giants and magicians. (Italy, 1474-1533).
[77]Ariosto is Italy's great epic poet. Read his "Orlando Furioso," a hundred-fold tale of knights and ladies, giants and magicians. (Italy, 1474-1533).
[78]Tasso is the second name in Italian epic poetry; and by some he is placed above Ariosto and named in the same breath with Homer and Virgil. Read his "Jerusalem Delivered," and "Aminta," and glance at his minor poems composed while in confinement. (Italy, 16th cent.)
[78]Tasso is the second name in Italian epic poetry; and by some he is placed above Ariosto and named in the same breath with Homer and Virgil. Read his "Jerusalem Delivered," and "Aminta," and glance at his minor poems composed while in confinement. (Italy, 16th cent.)
[79]Camoens is the glory of Portugal, her only poet whose fame has flown far beyond her narrow borders. Read his grand and beautiful poem, the "Lusiad," a national epic grouping together all the great and interesting events in the history of his country. (16th cent.)
[79]Camoens is the glory of Portugal, her only poet whose fame has flown far beyond her narrow borders. Read his grand and beautiful poem, the "Lusiad," a national epic grouping together all the great and interesting events in the history of his country. (16th cent.)
[80]Omar Khayyám, the great astronomer poet of Persia, has no equal in the world in the concise magnificence with which he can paint a grand poetic conception in a single complete, well-rounded, melodious stanza. Read Fitzgerald's translation. (12th cent.)
[80]Omar Khayyám, the great astronomer poet of Persia, has no equal in the world in the concise magnificence with which he can paint a grand poetic conception in a single complete, well-rounded, melodious stanza. Read Fitzgerald's translation. (12th cent.)
[81]Firdusi, the author of the "Shah Nameh," or Poetic History of the great deeds of the sultans. Hafiz, the poet of love, and Saadi are other great Persian poets deserving at least a glance of investigation. (11th-14th cents.)
[81]Firdusi, the author of the "Shah Nameh," or Poetic History of the great deeds of the sultans. Hafiz, the poet of love, and Saadi are other great Persian poets deserving at least a glance of investigation. (11th-14th cents.)
[82]Arnold's "Light of Asia" claims our attention for the additions it can make to our breadth of thought, giving us as it does briefly and beautifully the current of thinking of a great people very unlike ourselves. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[82]Arnold's "Light of Asia" claims our attention for the additions it can make to our breadth of thought, giving us as it does briefly and beautifully the current of thinking of a great people very unlike ourselves. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[83]Pushkin is called the Byron of Russia. Russian songs have a peculiar, mournful tenderness. "They are the sorrows of a century blended in one everlasting sigh." (19th cent.)
[83]Pushkin is called the Byron of Russia. Russian songs have a peculiar, mournful tenderness. "They are the sorrows of a century blended in one everlasting sigh." (19th cent.)
[84]Lermontoff is the Russian Schiller. (19th cent.)
[84]Lermontoff is the Russian Schiller. (19th cent.)
The most important sciences for the ordinary reader are Physiology, Hygiene, Psychology, Logic, Political Economy, Sociology and the Science of Government, Astronomy, Geology, and Natural History; but an elementary knowledge of all the sciences is very desirable on account of the breadth of mind and grasp of method which result therefrom. The International Scientific Series is very helpful in giving the brief comprehensive treatment of such subjects that is needed for those who are not specialists. The best books in this department are continually changing, because science is growing fast, and the latest books are apt to be fuller and better than the old ones. The best thing that can be done by one who wishes to be sure of obtaining the finest works upon any given subject in the region of scientific research, isto write to a professor who teaches that subject in some good university,—a professor who has not himself written a book on the subject,—and get his judgment on the matter.
[85]Physical health is the basis of all life and activity, and it is of the utmost importance to secure at once the best knowledge the world has attained in relation to its procurement and preservation. This matter has far too little attention. If a man is going to bring up chickens, he will study chicken books no end of hours to see just what will make them lay and make them fat and how he may produce the finest stock; but if he only has to bring up a few children, he will give no time to the study of the physical conditions of their full and fine development. Some few people, however, have a strange idea that a child is nearly as valuable as a rooster. There is no book as yet written which gives in clear, easily understood language the known laws of diet, exercise, care of the teeth, hair, skin, lungs, etc., and simple remedies. Perhaps Dalton's "Physiology," Flint's "Nervous System," Cutter's "Hygiene," Blaikie's "How to get Strong," and Duncan's "How to be Plump," Beard's "Eating and Drinking," Bellows' "Philosophy of Eating," Smith on Foods, Holbrook's "Eating for Strength," "Fruit and Bread," "Hygiene for the Brain," "How to Strengthen the Memory," and Kay's book on the Memory, Walter's "Nutritive Cure," Clark's "Sex in Education," Alice Stockham's "Tokology" or "Hygiene for Married Women," and Naphy's "Transmission of Life" will together give some idea of this all-valuable subject, though none of these books except the first are in themselves, apart from their subject, worthy of a place on the first shelf.
[85]Physical health is the basis of all life and activity, and it is of the utmost importance to secure at once the best knowledge the world has attained in relation to its procurement and preservation. This matter has far too little attention. If a man is going to bring up chickens, he will study chicken books no end of hours to see just what will make them lay and make them fat and how he may produce the finest stock; but if he only has to bring up a few children, he will give no time to the study of the physical conditions of their full and fine development. Some few people, however, have a strange idea that a child is nearly as valuable as a rooster. There is no book as yet written which gives in clear, easily understood language the known laws of diet, exercise, care of the teeth, hair, skin, lungs, etc., and simple remedies. Perhaps Dalton's "Physiology," Flint's "Nervous System," Cutter's "Hygiene," Blaikie's "How to get Strong," and Duncan's "How to be Plump," Beard's "Eating and Drinking," Bellows' "Philosophy of Eating," Smith on Foods, Holbrook's "Eating for Strength," "Fruit and Bread," "Hygiene for the Brain," "How to Strengthen the Memory," and Kay's book on the Memory, Walter's "Nutritive Cure," Clark's "Sex in Education," Alice Stockham's "Tokology" or "Hygiene for Married Women," and Naphy's "Transmission of Life" will together give some idea of this all-valuable subject, though none of these books except the first are in themselves, apart from their subject, worthy of a place on the first shelf.
[86]Dr. Strong's little book, "Our Country," is of the most intense interest to every American who loves his country and wishes its welfare. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[86]Dr. Strong's little book, "Our Country," is of the most intense interest to every American who loves his country and wishes its welfare. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[88]The "Federalist" was a series of essays by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison, in favor of the Federal Constitution, and is the best and deepest book on the science of government that the world contains. (Amer., 1788.)
[88]The "Federalist" was a series of essays by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison, in favor of the Federal Constitution, and is the best and deepest book on the science of government that the world contains. (Amer., 1788.)
[89]Bryce on the American Commonwealth is a splendid book, a complete, critical, philosophic work, an era-making book, and should be read by every American who wishes to know how our institutions appear to a genial, cultured, broad-minded foreigner. Mr. Bryce has the chair of Political Economy in Oxford, and is a member of Parliament. His chief criticism of our great republic is that it ishard to fix responsibilityfor lawlessness under our institutions, which is always an encouragement to wrongdoers. His book should be read with De Tocqueville. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[89]Bryce on the American Commonwealth is a splendid book, a complete, critical, philosophic work, an era-making book, and should be read by every American who wishes to know how our institutions appear to a genial, cultured, broad-minded foreigner. Mr. Bryce has the chair of Political Economy in Oxford, and is a member of Parliament. His chief criticism of our great republic is that it ishard to fix responsibilityfor lawlessness under our institutions, which is always an encouragement to wrongdoers. His book should be read with De Tocqueville. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[90]Montesquieu's "Spirit of Laws" is a profound analysis of law in relation to government, customs, climate, religion, and commerce. It is the greatest book of the 18th century. Read with it Bagehot's "Physics and Politics."
[90]Montesquieu's "Spirit of Laws" is a profound analysis of law in relation to government, customs, climate, religion, and commerce. It is the greatest book of the 18th century. Read with it Bagehot's "Physics and Politics."
[91]Mill's "Logic" and "Political Economy" are simply necessities to any, even moderately, thorough preparation for civilized life in America. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[91]Mill's "Logic" and "Political Economy" are simply necessities to any, even moderately, thorough preparation for civilized life in America. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[92]Read Bain on the "Emotions and the Will," "Mind and Body," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[92]Read Bain on the "Emotions and the Will," "Mind and Body," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[93]Herbert Spencer is the foremost name in the philosophic literature of the world. He is the Shakspeare of science. He has a grander grasp of knowledge, and more perfectconsciouscorrespondence with the external universe, than any other human being who ever looked wonderingly out into the starry depths; and his few errors flow from an over-anxiety to exert his splendid power of making beautiful generalizations. Read his "First Principles," "Data of Ethics," "Education," and "Classification of the Sciences," at any rate; and if possible, all he has written. Plato and Spencer are brothers. Plato would have done what Spencer has, had he lived in the 19th century.
[93]Herbert Spencer is the foremost name in the philosophic literature of the world. He is the Shakspeare of science. He has a grander grasp of knowledge, and more perfectconsciouscorrespondence with the external universe, than any other human being who ever looked wonderingly out into the starry depths; and his few errors flow from an over-anxiety to exert his splendid power of making beautiful generalizations. Read his "First Principles," "Data of Ethics," "Education," and "Classification of the Sciences," at any rate; and if possible, all he has written. Plato and Spencer are brothers. Plato would have done what Spencer has, had he lived in the 19th century.
[94]Darwin's "Origin of Species" stands in history by the side of Newton's "Principia." The thought of both has to a great extent become the common inheritance of the race; and it is perhaps sufficient for the general reader to refer to a good account of the book and its arguments, such as may be found in the "Encyclopædia Britannica." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[94]Darwin's "Origin of Species" stands in history by the side of Newton's "Principia." The thought of both has to a great extent become the common inheritance of the race; and it is perhaps sufficient for the general reader to refer to a good account of the book and its arguments, such as may be found in the "Encyclopædia Britannica." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[95]Read Herschel and Proctor in Astronomy, to broaden and deepen the mind with the grand and beautiful conceptions of this most poetic of the sciences. Proctor's books are more fascinating than any fiction. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[95]Read Herschel and Proctor in Astronomy, to broaden and deepen the mind with the grand and beautiful conceptions of this most poetic of the sciences. Proctor's books are more fascinating than any fiction. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[96]For a knowledge of what has been going on in this dim spot beneath the sun, in the ages before man came upon the stage, and for an idea about what kind of a fellow man was when he first set up housekeeping here, and how long ago that was, read Lyell's "Geology;" Lubbock's "Prehistoric Times," "Origin of Civilization and Primitive Condition of Man," and Lyell's "Antiquity of Man" (Eng., 19th cent.); and Dawson's "Chain of Life." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[96]For a knowledge of what has been going on in this dim spot beneath the sun, in the ages before man came upon the stage, and for an idea about what kind of a fellow man was when he first set up housekeeping here, and how long ago that was, read Lyell's "Geology;" Lubbock's "Prehistoric Times," "Origin of Civilization and Primitive Condition of Man," and Lyell's "Antiquity of Man" (Eng., 19th cent.); and Dawson's "Chain of Life." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[97]Read Wood's beautiful and interesting books on Natural History; especially his "Evidences of Mind in Animals," "Out of Doors," "Anecdotes of Animals," "Man and Beast," "Here and Hereafter." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[97]Read Wood's beautiful and interesting books on Natural History; especially his "Evidences of Mind in Animals," "Out of Doors," "Anecdotes of Animals," "Man and Beast," "Here and Hereafter." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[98]Whewell's "History of the Inductive Sciences" is a very broadening book.
[98]Whewell's "History of the Inductive Sciences" is a very broadening book.
[99]De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" is one of the great books, and is superior in depth and style even to Bryce. The two books supplement each other. See note89: (France, 18th cent.)
[99]De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" is one of the great books, and is superior in depth and style even to Bryce. The two books supplement each other. See note89: (France, 18th cent.)
[100]"Constitutional History of the United States." (Ger., 19th cent.)
[100]"Constitutional History of the United States." (Ger., 19th cent.)
[101]"Wealth of Nations," "Moral Sentiments." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[101]"Wealth of Nations," "Moral Sentiments." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[102]"Principles of Population." One of the most celebrated of books. (Eng., 18th cent.)
[102]"Principles of Population." One of the most celebrated of books. (Eng., 18th cent.)
[103]"Principles of Social Philosophy." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[103]"Principles of Social Philosophy." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[104]"Essays on Political Economy," "Leading Principles of Political Economy." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[104]"Essays on Political Economy," "Leading Principles of Political Economy." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[105]"Comparative Politics." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[105]"Comparative Politics." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[106]"The Theory of Political Economy," "The Logic of Statistics." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[106]"The Theory of Political Economy," "The Logic of Statistics." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[107]"The Nation, the Foundation of Civil Order and Political Life in the United States." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[107]"The Nation, the Foundation of Civil Order and Political Life in the United States." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[108]"Leviathan." See note190. (Eng., 16th cent.)
[108]"Leviathan." See note190. (Eng., 16th cent.)
[109]"The Prince." (Italy, 1469-1527.)
[109]"The Prince." (Italy, 1469-1527.)
[110]"Chips from a German Workshop," and various works on Philology. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[110]"Chips from a German Workshop," and various works on Philology. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[111]"Study of Words," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[111]"Study of Words," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[112]"Words and Places." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[112]"Words and Places." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[113]"Natural History of Selborne." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[113]"Natural History of Selborne." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[114]"Animal Kingdom." (France, early 19th cent.)
[114]"Animal Kingdom." (France, early 19th cent.)
[115]"Voyages." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[115]"Voyages." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[116]"Heat as a Mode of Motion," "Forms of Water," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[116]"Heat as a Mode of Motion," "Forms of Water," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[117]"On Sound." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[117]"On Sound." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[118]"Scientific Researches." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[118]"Scientific Researches." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[119]"Conservation of Energy." In a book on this subject edited by E. L. Youmans. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[119]"Conservation of Energy." In a book on this subject edited by E. L. Youmans. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[120]"Man's Place in Nature." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[120]"Man's Place in Nature." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[121]Botany. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[121]Botany. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[122]"Methods of Study in Natural History." (U. S. 19th cent.)
[122]"Methods of Study in Natural History." (U. S. 19th cent.)
[123]Physics. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[123]Physics. (U. S., 19th cent.)
Biography carefully read will cast a flood of light before us on the path of life. Read Longfellow's "Psalm of Life," and try to find the teachings he refers to in the lives of great men. The world still lacks what it very much needs,—a book ofbriefbiographies of the greatest and noblest men and women of every age and country, by a master hand. The aim should be to extract from the past what it can teach us of value for the future; and to do this biography must become a comparative science, events and lives must be grouped over the whole range of the years, that by similarities and contrasts the truth may appear. Smiles's "Self-Help" is a partial realization of this plan.
The manner of reading should be: R. D.
[124]Plutarch's "Lives" comes nearer to a comparative biography than any other book we have. He contrasts his characters in pairs, a Greek and a Roman in each couplet. It is one of the most delightful of books, and among those most universally read by cultured people of all nations. Dryden's translation revised by Clough is the best. (Rome, 1st cent.)
[124]Plutarch's "Lives" comes nearer to a comparative biography than any other book we have. He contrasts his characters in pairs, a Greek and a Roman in each couplet. It is one of the most delightful of books, and among those most universally read by cultured people of all nations. Dryden's translation revised by Clough is the best. (Rome, 1st cent.)
[125]In Wendell Phillips's oration on "Toussaint L'Ouverture," there is a fascinating comparison of the noble negro warrior with Napoleon. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[125]In Wendell Phillips's oration on "Toussaint L'Ouverture," there is a fascinating comparison of the noble negro warrior with Napoleon. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[126]Boswell's "Johnson" is admittedly the greatest life of a single person yet written. (Eng., 18th cent.)
[126]Boswell's "Johnson" is admittedly the greatest life of a single person yet written. (Eng., 18th cent.)
[127]Lockhart's "Life of Scott" is a favorite with all who read it. Wilkie Collins especially recommends it as finely picturing genius and nobility of character. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[127]Lockhart's "Life of Scott" is a favorite with all who read it. Wilkie Collins especially recommends it as finely picturing genius and nobility of character. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[128]Marshall's "Life of Washington" is an inspiring book. Gladstone said to Mr. Depew: "Sixty years ago I read Chief-Justice Marshall's 'Life of Washington,' and I was forced to the conclusion that he was quite the greatest man that ever lived. The sixty years that have passed have not changed that impression; and to any Englishman who seeks my advice in the line of his development and equipment I invariably say, 'Begin by reading the Life of George Washington.'" (U. S., 19th cent.)Franklin's "Autobiography" is brief, philosophic, and delightfully frank and clear. (U. S., 18th cent.)
[128]Marshall's "Life of Washington" is an inspiring book. Gladstone said to Mr. Depew: "Sixty years ago I read Chief-Justice Marshall's 'Life of Washington,' and I was forced to the conclusion that he was quite the greatest man that ever lived. The sixty years that have passed have not changed that impression; and to any Englishman who seeks my advice in the line of his development and equipment I invariably say, 'Begin by reading the Life of George Washington.'" (U. S., 19th cent.)
Franklin's "Autobiography" is brief, philosophic, and delightfully frank and clear. (U. S., 18th cent.)
[129]"The Life of Lincoln," by Nicolay and Hay, is a book that has very strong claims to the attention of every American, and every lover of liberty, greatness, nobility, and kindliness. (U. S., 19th cent.)Grant's "Memoirs" deserves reading for similar reasons. The great General lived an epic, and wrote a classic. (U. S. 19th cent.)
[129]"The Life of Lincoln," by Nicolay and Hay, is a book that has very strong claims to the attention of every American, and every lover of liberty, greatness, nobility, and kindliness. (U. S., 19th cent.)
Grant's "Memoirs" deserves reading for similar reasons. The great General lived an epic, and wrote a classic. (U. S. 19th cent.)
[130]Read Carlyle's "Life of John Sterling," "Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches," and "Heroes and Hero Worship." (Eng., 19th cent.)Renan's "Life of Christ." (France, 19th cent.)
[130]Read Carlyle's "Life of John Sterling," "Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches," and "Heroes and Hero Worship." (Eng., 19th cent.)
Renan's "Life of Christ." (France, 19th cent.)
[131]Canon Farrar's little "Life of Dante" is, considering its brevity, one of the best things in this department. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[131]Canon Farrar's little "Life of Dante" is, considering its brevity, one of the best things in this department. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[132]Emerson's "Representative Men" most strongly stirs thought and inspires the resolution. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[132]Emerson's "Representative Men" most strongly stirs thought and inspires the resolution. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[133]"The Portrait Collection of the Hundred Greatest Men," published by Sampson, Low, & Co., 1879.
[133]"The Portrait Collection of the Hundred Greatest Men," published by Sampson, Low, & Co., 1879.
[134]Read Parton's "Sketches of Men of Progress." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[134]Read Parton's "Sketches of Men of Progress." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[135]"Lights of Two Centuries." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[135]"Lights of Two Centuries." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[136]"Our Great Benefactors." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[136]"Our Great Benefactors." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[137]"Book of Martyrs." (Eng., early 16th cent.)
[137]"Book of Martyrs." (Eng., early 16th cent.)
[138]"The Life and Times of Goethe," and "Michaelangelo." Most interesting books. (Germany, 19th cent.)
[138]"The Life and Times of Goethe," and "Michaelangelo." Most interesting books. (Germany, 19th cent.)
[139]"English Statesmen." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[139]"English Statesmen." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[140]"Life of Napoleon." (France, 19th cent.)
[140]"Life of Napoleon." (France, 19th cent.)
[141]"Lives of the Poets." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[141]"Lives of the Poets." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[142]Walton's "Lives." (Eng., 17th cent.)
[142]Walton's "Lives." (Eng., 17th cent.)
[143]"Life of Dr. Arnold." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[143]"Life of Dr. Arnold." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[144]"Life of Washington." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[144]"Life of Washington." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[145]"Life of Nelson." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[145]"Life of Nelson." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[146]"Life of Pitt." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[146]"Life of Pitt." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[147]"Life of Byron." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[147]"Life of Byron." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[148]"Lives of Female Sovereigns and Illustrious Women." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[148]"Lives of Female Sovereigns and Illustrious Women." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[149]"Lives of the Saints." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[149]"Lives of the Saints." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[150]"Memories of many Men." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[150]"Memories of many Men." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[151]"Reminiscences." (U. S., 18th cent.)The Life and Letters of Darwin, Talleyrand, and Macaulay; the Journals of Miss Alcott, Marie Bashkirtseff, and Eugénie de Guerin; the Autobiography of JosephJefferson; the "American Statesmen" series, edited by John T. Morse, Jr., and the "English Men of Letters" series are all valuable books. The Journals of Miss Alcott and Marie Bashkirtseff are stories of heart struggles, longings, failures, and triumphs, and are of exceeding interest and great popularity. The Journal of Eugénie de Guerin deserves to be better known than it is, for the delicate sweetness of feeling that fills its pages.
[151]"Reminiscences." (U. S., 18th cent.)
The Life and Letters of Darwin, Talleyrand, and Macaulay; the Journals of Miss Alcott, Marie Bashkirtseff, and Eugénie de Guerin; the Autobiography of JosephJefferson; the "American Statesmen" series, edited by John T. Morse, Jr., and the "English Men of Letters" series are all valuable books. The Journals of Miss Alcott and Marie Bashkirtseff are stories of heart struggles, longings, failures, and triumphs, and are of exceeding interest and great popularity. The Journal of Eugénie de Guerin deserves to be better known than it is, for the delicate sweetness of feeling that fills its pages.
Remarks may be made about History very similar to those in the special remarks concerning Biography. The field is too vast for an ordinary life, and there is no book that will give in brief compass the net results and profits of man's investment in experience and life,—the dividends have not been declared. Guizot and Buckle come nearer to doing this than any other writers; butthebook that shall reduce the past to principles that will guide the future has not yet been written. The student will be greatly assisted by the "Manual of Historical Literature," by C. K. Adams. It is an admirable guide. Putnam's series, "The Stories of the Nations," and Scribner's "Epoch" series are very useful, especially for young people.
The manner of reading the best history should be: R. D. G.
[152]Green's "History of the English People" has probably the first claims on the general reader. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[152]Green's "History of the English People" has probably the first claims on the general reader. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[153]Bancroft's "History of the United States" should be read by every American citizen, along with Dr. Strong's "Our Country." (U. S., 19th cent.) The only trouble with Bancroft is that he does not bring the history down to recent times. Hildreth for the student, and Ridpath for practical business men supply this defect. Doyle's "History of the United States" is perhaps the best small book, and his "American Colonies" is also good. McMaster's "History of the People of the United States" is a brilliant work, given largely to an account of the social life of the people.
[153]Bancroft's "History of the United States" should be read by every American citizen, along with Dr. Strong's "Our Country." (U. S., 19th cent.) The only trouble with Bancroft is that he does not bring the history down to recent times. Hildreth for the student, and Ridpath for practical business men supply this defect. Doyle's "History of the United States" is perhaps the best small book, and his "American Colonies" is also good. McMaster's "History of the People of the United States" is a brilliant work, given largely to an account of the social life of the people.
[154]Guizot's "History of Civilization" and "History of France" (France, 19th cent.) are among the greatest books of the world; and with Buckle's "History of Civilization" (Eng., 19th cent.) will give a careful reader an intellectual breadth and training far above what is attained by the majority even of reading men.
[154]Guizot's "History of Civilization" and "History of France" (France, 19th cent.) are among the greatest books of the world; and with Buckle's "History of Civilization" (Eng., 19th cent.) will give a careful reader an intellectual breadth and training far above what is attained by the majority even of reading men.
[155]Parkman is the Macaulay of the New World. He invests the truths of sober history with all the charms of poetic imagination and graceful style. His literary work must take its place by the side of Scott and Irving. Read his "France and England in North America," "Conspiracy of Pontiac," and "The Oregon Trail."Freeman, Fiske, and Fyffe are also great historians, who require notice here. Freeman's "Comparative Politics," "History of the Saracens," "Growth of the English Constitution," "History of Federal Government," and "General Sketch of History" are all great works,—the last being the best brief account of general history that we possess. (Eng., 19th cent.)Fiske's "Civil Government," "War of Independence," and "Critical Period of American History" are standard books. (U. S., 19th cent.)Fyffe's "Modern Europe" is called the most brilliant picture of the Revolutionary Period in existence. It is certainly one of the best of histories.
[155]Parkman is the Macaulay of the New World. He invests the truths of sober history with all the charms of poetic imagination and graceful style. His literary work must take its place by the side of Scott and Irving. Read his "France and England in North America," "Conspiracy of Pontiac," and "The Oregon Trail."
Freeman, Fiske, and Fyffe are also great historians, who require notice here. Freeman's "Comparative Politics," "History of the Saracens," "Growth of the English Constitution," "History of Federal Government," and "General Sketch of History" are all great works,—the last being the best brief account of general history that we possess. (Eng., 19th cent.)
Fiske's "Civil Government," "War of Independence," and "Critical Period of American History" are standard books. (U. S., 19th cent.)
Fyffe's "Modern Europe" is called the most brilliant picture of the Revolutionary Period in existence. It is certainly one of the best of histories.
[155a]"Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[155a]"Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[156]"History of England in the 18th Century," "History of European Morals." These books take very high rank in respect to style, accuracy, and completeness. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[156]"History of England in the 18th Century," "History of European Morals." These books take very high rank in respect to style, accuracy, and completeness. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[157]"Ten Great Religions," by James Freeman Clarke. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[157]"Ten Great Religions," by James Freeman Clarke. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[158]"Comparative History of Religion."
[158]"Comparative History of Religion."
[159]"Intellectual Development of Europe." A work of great power. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[159]"Intellectual Development of Europe." A work of great power. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[160]"Middle Ages." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[160]"Middle Ages." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[161]"Constitutional History of England." Bagehot's "English Constitution" should be read with the works of Hallam, Freeman, and May on this topic, because of its brilliant generalizations and ingenious suggestions. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[161]"Constitutional History of England." Bagehot's "English Constitution" should be read with the works of Hallam, Freeman, and May on this topic, because of its brilliant generalizations and ingenious suggestions. (Eng., 19th cent.)
[162]"History of England." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[162]"History of England." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[163]"History of England." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[163]"History of England." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[164]"History of England." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[164]"History of England." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[165]"Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[165]"Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." (Eng., 18th cent.)
[166]"History of Greece." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[166]"History of Greece." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[167]"History of New England." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[167]"History of New England." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[168]"Conquest of Mexico," "Peru," "Ferdinand and Isabella," etc. Prescott's style is of the very best, clear, graphic, and ever interesting. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[168]"Conquest of Mexico," "Peru," "Ferdinand and Isabella," etc. Prescott's style is of the very best, clear, graphic, and ever interesting. (U. S., 19th cent.)
[169]"Rise of the Dutch Republic." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[169]"Rise of the Dutch Republic." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[169a]"Rise of the Republic of the United States." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[169a]"Rise of the Republic of the United States." (U. S., 19th cent.)
[170]"Ancient Egyptians." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[170]"Ancient Egyptians." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[171]"History of Rome." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[171]"History of Rome." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[172]"History of the Germans." (Ger., 1798.)
[172]"History of the Germans." (Ger., 1798.)
[173]"Latin Christianity." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[173]"Latin Christianity." (Eng., 19th cent.)
[174]"History of the Papacy in the 16th and 17th Centuries." Ranke is one of the strongest names in history. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[174]"History of the Papacy in the 16th and 17th Centuries." Ranke is one of the strongest names in history. (Ger., 19th cent.)
[175]"Italian Republics." (France, 1773-1842.)
[175]"Italian Republics." (France, 1773-1842.)
[176]"History of France." (France, 19th cent.)
[176]"History of France." (France, 19th cent.)