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MANUAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. HISTORY OF FRANCE. By the Rev. W. H. By PHILIP SMITH. Illustrated. $1 50.

THE STUDENT'S CLASSICAL DICTIONARY. Illustrated. $1 25.

JERVIS, M.A. Illustrated. $1 25.

HUME'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Illustrated. New Edition. $1 50.

ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE EAST. BY STRICKLAND'S QUEENS OF ENGLAND. PHILIP SMITH. Illustrated. $1 25.

HISTORY OF GREECE. By Dr. WILLIAM SMITH. Illustrated. $1 25.

COX'S GENERAL HISTORY OF GREECE. With Maps. $1 25.

LIDDELL'S HISTORY OF ROME. Illustrated. $1 25.

MERIVALE'S GENERAL HISTORY OF ROME. With Maps. $1 25.

GIBBON'S DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. Illustrated. $1 25. LYELL'S GEOLOGY. Illustrated. $1 23.

Illustrated. $1 25.

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Any of the above books sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of the United States, on receipt

of the price.

PREFACE.

THE following Work has been written by an English scholar long resident in France, and intimately acquainted with its literature and history. It is intended, like the preceding works in the same series, to supply a long acknowledged want in our literature, namely, a HISTORY OF FRANCE, incorporating the researches of recent historians, and suitable for the higher forms in Schools and for Students at the Universities. It is unnecessary to point out the importance of a knowledge of French history to every one who aspires to a liberal education; but it may not be amiss to remind the reader that the true meaning and effect of the drama of the Revolution, of which we have not yet seen the catastrophe, can be understood only by a far deeper study of the previous condition and history of France than most of our countrymen are disposed to undertake.

With respect to the execution of the work, it has been the aim of the Author to present a perspicuous view of the events of French history, from the very commencement of the nation down to the present time, avoiding as far as possible the dryness of an epitome, and presenting something more than a chronicle of mere facts and dates. An attempt has been made to draw the portraiture of every important historical character, and to include in a rapid and condensed narrative all the chief transactions, whether political, military, or ecclesiastical, which have marked the varying fortunes of the nation. Many of the most interesting questions connected with the history, government, and institutions of

the country are discussed at considerable length in the "Notes and Illustrations," which, it is believed, will be found of great service to the student. Copious references to the best authorities are likewise given, with the view of assisting him in prosecuting farther inquiries.

The literature of France is particularly rich in works upon French history; but it would be impossible, in the limits of a Preface, to enumerate all the authorities that have been consulted in drawing up the present narrative. The writer on whom the chief reliance has been placed is Henri Martin, the most valuable of all the French historians, whether we regard his scrupulous fidelity and accuracy, or the breadth and liberality of his views. Constant use has also been made of the works of Velly and Villaret, Sismondi, Anquetil, and Lavallée. In the earlier times the chief authorities followed have been Guizot, the two Thierrys, and Lehuerou, as well as the recent work of Bordier and Charton, which has been found extremely useful.

In conclusion it may be observed, that it has been the earnest endeavor of the Author to avoid the capital error of writing the History of France from an English point of view, a course which can not fail to convey an unjust conception of the institutions, government, habits, and character of the people. What is needed is an impartial, genial, and even sympathetic account of French history. This has been the principle upon which the Work has been undertaken, but with what success it has been carried out is for competent critics to decide.

January, 1862.

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B.C. 50.

Спар.

B.C. A.D. 30-407.

A.D. 407-511.

511-752.

BOOK I.

ANCIENT GAUL.

PAGE

I. From the Earliest Ages to the Roman Conquest.. 1

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS:

A. Authorities

14

B. The Celtic Tribes of Gaul..............

14

II. Gaul under the Romans to the great Barbarian

Invasion

16

BOOK 11.

GERMAN GAUL. (A.D. 407-987.)

III. From the great Barbarian Invasion to the Death of Clovis...

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS:

A. On the Origin of the Franks.........

B. The Consulship of Clovis ......

IV. The Merovingians. From the Death of Clovis to the Accession of Pepin le Bref....

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