The Author has aimed to be _simple_, that youth of lower as well as advanced classes may understand him; _clear_, that no indistinct or erroneous impressions may be conveyed; _accurate_ in the recital of facts; and _interesting_ as regards both matter and style. Avoiding fragmentary statements, he has gone into detail sufficiently to show events in their connections, convinced that a fairer idea of them is thus imparted, and that facts otherwise dry may in this way be made attractive and indelibly impressed on the mind. He has tried throughout to be fair and national. He has neither introduced offensive allusions, nor invidiously attempted to bias the minds of the young on controverted questions connected with politics or religion. The pronunciation of all difficult and foreign names is given in brackets; and appropriate illustrations have been liberally provided. Maps are as useful in history as in geography, and plans are often essential to the lucid delineation of military movements. Both are here presented wherever it was thought they would be of service. In elegance of style, accuracy clearness, interest of narrative, richness of illustration, and adaptation to the school-room, this History is pronounced far in advance of every similar work heretofore published. _From _PROF. H. D. LATHROP_, Gambier, Ohio._ It seems to me admirably adapted to the purpose intended. The style is simple and attractive, the narrative accurate and sufficiently minute, the illustrations appropriate and elegant, and the typographical execution all that could be desired. _From _J. D. H. CORWINE_, Principal Kentucky Liberal Institute._ I shall at once introduce it as _the best-work of the kind_ on this important branch of education. _From _REV. JOSEPH SHACKELFORD_, Principal Institute, Moulton, Ala._ I think it superior to many that I have examined as a school-book. I have been using Wilson's, but I think this is a much better book for schools. _From _REV. CHARLES REYNOLDS_, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, Ohio._ It is a most delightful volume, and were I teaching a dozen classes in United States History, I would use no other book but yours. * * * * * Corrections made to printed original. Contents 83--90. "Miscellaneous elements": 'Miscellaneons' in original. Contents 366. "Peacock, peahen": 'peahern' in original. Contents 416. "Zeugma": 'Leugma' in original. § 29. "rather than the Anglo-Saxon itself": 'than' missing in original. § 40. Sing. Gen. "Túngunnar": 'Túngunnor' in original (this doesn't match the previous table, also checked in Cleasby & Vigfusson's Icelandic-English Dictionary). § 74. "They relate chiefly": 'The relate' in original.