THE design of the volume now offered to the kindly consideration of Parents and Teachers, is, to combine a history of the social life of the English people, with that of the civil and military transactions of the realm.
A nation's religion, literature, science, art, and commerce, are certainly as important topics in the consideration of its history, as those connected with military operations and civil government.
It is hoped, therefore, that the attention given to both these departments, may win for the accompanying volume, a place among the useful books written for the instruction of the young.
A visit to England during the preparation of the volume, gave at least such increased interest in the subject of the work, as may add to its value, especially in the eyes of those who prize a book
In the brief account of the war in the Crimea, I would acknowledge most gratefully the assistance of a distinguished officer of engineers, whose information, gained by personal observation of the military operations in that country, is of peculiar value.