By A. H. Johnson, M.A., Historical Lecturer at Merton, Trinity, and University Colleges, Oxford. Forming Volume IV. of Periods of European History. ‘A singularly clear, thorough, and consistent account of the great movements and great events of the time, and the volume may be accepted as one of the best extant handbooks to a period as complex as it is important.’--_Times._ ‘In the present volume Mr. A. H. Johnson has made a useful and unpretentious contribution to a Series of which it can be said more truly than of most series that it supplies a real want. Mr. Johnson is well known as one of the most experienced and successful teachers of history at Oxford, and the book has all the merits which the fact of being written by a good teacher can give it. It is clear, sensible, and accurate, and commendably free from fads or bias.’--_Manchester Guardian._ ‘There is certainly no other single book in English which covers the ground so adequately.’--_University Correspondent._ ‘Mr. Johnson’s narrative is clear and accurate, and his grasp of the history of his period wonderfully strong and comprehensive.’--_Journal of Education._ THE ASCENDANCY OF FRANCE, 1598-1715 By H. O. Wakeman, M.A., Late Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Forming Volume V. of Periods of European History. ‘His story is no dry compendium, but a drama, each act and scene of which has its individual interest.’--_Guardian._ ‘Mr. Wakeman has produced an excellent sketch, both clear and concise.’--_Oxford Magazine._ ‘Mr. Wakeman’s book is a sound, able, and useful one, which will alike give help to the student, and attract the cultivated general reader.’--_Manchester Guardian._ ‘A thoroughly scholarly and satisfactory monograph.’--_Leeds Mercury._ THE BALANCE OF POWER, 1715-1789 By A. Hassall, M.A., Student of Christ Church, Oxford. Forming Volume VI. of Periods of European History. ‘Although it contains more than 400 pages, we felt as we read its last page that it was too short. It is not, however, too short to prevent its author dealing adequately with his subject according to the scheme of the whole Series. There is little detail in it, and but little theorising, and what it contains are clear statements of masterly summaries.... We may cordially recommend this interesting and well-written volume.’--_Birmingham Daily Gazette._ ‘Treated with much accuracy, patience, and vigour.’--_Educational Times._