In this English edition the "History of the Present Day" is brought down to 1870, whilst the original only goes as far as the memorable events of 1848. The last volume will contain a survey of the entire history of the Jewish nation, together with a comprehensive index of names and events. In conclusion, I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude to one whose life-task it is to further with rare generosity all humane and intellectual interests, and who has caused this translation to be made and published. At the risk of wounding his modesty, I must mention, as the Mæcenas of this work, Mr. Frederick D. Mocatta, whose name is a household word in every Jewish circle. H. GRAETZ. BRESLAU, _January, 1891_. * * * * * To the foregoing words of the author I merely wish to add, that while the first volume, as far as the period of the Hasmonæans, has been translated by me, the other volumes have for the greater part "been done into English by various hands," and have afterwards been revised and edited by me. My cordial thanks are due to Mr. Israel Abrahams, whose scholarly co-operation has enabled me to cope with the difficulties presented by Hebrew and Jewish names and technicalities. BELLA LÖWY. LONDON, JANUARY, 1891. PREFACE TO THE SOCIETY'S EDITION. * * * * * Owing to necessary revision by the American editors, there has been a delay in the publication of this work beyond the time announced for its appearance. It is hoped that in the future such delay may be avoided. THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. _June, 1891._ CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE EARLIEST PERIOD. The Original Inhabitants of Canaan--Gigantic Anakim and Rephaim--The Phœnicians--Israel's Claim to Canaan--The Patriarchs--Hereditary Law--Emigration to Egypt--Tribal Union--Bright and Dark Sides of the Egyptians--Moses, Aaron and Miriam--The Prophetic Sage--Call of Moses as Deliverer--Opposition--Exodus from Egypt--Passage of the Red Sea--Wandering in the Desert--Revelation on Mount Sinai--The Decalogue--Relapse--Concessions--Crisis-- Circuitous Wanderings--Victories over Populations of Canaan on Trans-Jordanic Side--Commencements of Hebrew Poetry--Death of Moses _page_ 1 CHAPTER II. OCCUPATION OF THE LAND OF CANAAN. Joshua's Succession--Passage of the Jordan--Conquest of Jericho--The Gibeonites--Coalition of Canaanite Cities against the Israelites--Settlement in the Land--Isolation of the Tribes--Allotments--The Tribe of Levi--The Ark of the Covenant at Shiloh--Condition of Canaan at the time of the Conquest-- Climate and Fertility--Intellectual Activity--Poetry of Nature--Remnants of Canaanite Populations--Death of Joshua _page_ 32 CHAPTER III. NEIGHBOURING NATIONS.