In this little book the attempt has been to trace Greek History so as to
be intelligible to young children. In fact, it will generally be found
that classical history is remembered at an earlier age than modern
history, probably because the events are simple, and there was something
childlike in the nature of all the ancient Greeks. I would begin a
child's reading with the History of England, as that which requires to
be known best; but from this I should think it better to pass to the
History of Greece, and that of Rome (which is of course in preparation),
both because of their giving some idea of the course of time, and
bringing Scripture history into connection with that of the world, and
because little boys ought not to begin their classical studies without
some idea of their bearing. I have begun with a few of the Greek myths,
which are absolutely necessary to the understanding of both the history
and of art. As to the names, the ordinary reading of them has been most
frequently adopted, and the common Latin titles of the gods and
goddesses have been used, because these, by long use, have really come
to be their English names, and English literature at least will be
better understood by calling the king of Olympus Jupiter, than by
becoming familiar with him first as Zeus. CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. Not only
entertaining for young readers! Originally released in 1876.
