H.A. Guerber

The prime importance of the rude fragments of poetry preserved in early Icelandic literature will now be disputed by none, but there has been until recent times an extraordinary indifference to the wealth of religious tradition and mythical lore which they contain.The long neglect of these precious records of our heathen ancestors is not the fault of the material in which all that survives of their religious beliefs is enshrined, for it may safely be asserted that the Edda is as rich in the essentials of national romance and race-imagination, rugged though it be, as the more graceful and idyllic mythology of the South. Neither is it due to anything weak in the conception of the deities themselves, for although they may not rise to great spiritual heights, foremost students of Icelandic literature agree that they stand out rude and massive as the Scandinavian mountains. They exhibit "a spirit of victory, superior to brute force, superior to mere matter, a spirit that fights and overcomes.""Even were some part of the matter of their myths taken from others, yet the Norsemen have given their gods a noble, upright, great spirit, and placed them upon a high level that is all their own.""In fact these old Norse songs have a truth in them, an inward perennial truth and greatness. [xii]It is a greatness not of mere body and gigantic bulk, but a rude greatness of soul."...

This elementary history of Greece is intended for supplementary reading or as a first history text-book for young pupils. It is therefore made up principally of stories about persons; for, while history proper is largely beyond the comprehension of children, they are able at an early age to understand and enjoy anecdotes of people, especially of those in the childhood of civilization. At the same time, these stories will give a clear idea of the most important events that have taken place in the ancient world, and, it is hoped, will arouse a desire to read further. They also aim to enforce the lessons of perseverance, courage, patriotism, and virtue that are taught by the noble lives described.

The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable for the requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by the principals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics themselves, even where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this feasible, has not been found altogether successful in giving to the student a clear and succinct idea of the religious beliefs of the ancients, and it has been suggested that a work which would so deal with the subject as to render it at once interesting and instructive would be hailed as a valuable introduction to the study of classic authors, and would be found to assist materially the labours of both master and pupil.In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before the reader a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they were conceived and worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to awaken in the minds of young students a desire to become more intimately acquainted with the noble productions of classical antiquity.It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second portion of the work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its customs, its superstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which reason they are given at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of the kind.In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have been collected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and Romans (more especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account of their principal festivals.I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without passing over details the omission of which would have [ii]marred the completeness of the work, not a single passage should be found which could possibly offend the most scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have purposely treated the subject with that reverence which I consider due to every religious system, however erroneous.

This book is intended as an historical reader, an elementary text-book in the history of our country, or as an introduction or supplement to any of the excellent text-books on the history of the United States now in use.The aim has been not only to interest children in the great men of their own country, but to stimulate them to the cultivation of the lofty virtues of which they read, and to instil within their hearts a deep love for their native land.All the main facts in our early history have been given as simply and vividly as possible, and the lessons of patriotism, truthfulness, courage, patience, honesty, and industry taught by the lives of our principal heroes are carefully enforced. Great pains have also been taken to relate all the well-known anecdotes and quote the famous speeches which are so frequently alluded to in our current literature.

Tras la caída del imperio romano los pueblos que se extendieron por toda Europa trajeron consigo nuevas leyendas que reemplazaron a los mitos clásicos grecorromanos. Este libro contiene las más famosas de esas historias; para encontrar las raíces de algunas de ellas hay que remontarse a tiempos de los paganos; otras, en forma de crónicas, narran los hechos de héroes cristianos más recientes.

H.A. Guerbers The Story of the Great Republic offers a clear, engaging, and human-centered account of American history from the founding of the United States to the end of the 19th century. Written in a style accessible to younger readers and general audiences alike, Guerber presents the events, people, and ideals that shaped the early American republic with warmth and narrative ease. Her storytelling invites readers to see the past not as a list of dates, but as a living story filled with triumphs, struggles, and the constant effort to build a more unified nation. Beginning with the framing of the Constitution and the presidency of George Washington, the book follows the growth of the United States through war, territorial expansion, social change, and civil conflict. Guerber recounts major events such as the War of 1812, the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, while introducing readers to the influential figuresfrom presidents and generals to reformers and everyday citizenswho helped define the American experience. More than a historical summary, The Story of the Great Republic reflects on the principles that guided the countrys development: liberty, perseverance, justice, and unity. Guerbers emphasis on character, citizenship, and moral purpose makes this a lasting introduction to American history, ideal for students, homeschoolers, and anyone seeking to understand the foundations of the United States in an approachable, story-driven way.