Of the narrative forms of history, the biographical has proved by far the most interesting and serviceable for boys and girls of ten or twelve; and experience tells us that for children of this age events in the lives of men must be told in a way that fixes those events by many striking and vivid pictures of each.

In the twenty-five biographies here given, representing the most important builders of our country from the year 1000 to the beginnings of the American Revolution, the hero of each has received attention in proportion to the reach of his influence or of that of the group of which he is the central figure. The order of presentation is very nearly chronological, being otherwise only where there is a greater advantage in grouping locally; and in returning to any region, the reader is referred to what he has already learned of events on the same soil. Thus, there is no confusion in his mind as to either place or time.

It is hoped that the present volume will be found adequate in every respect for the teaching of the elementary history of the period covered. It may be noted that it conforms minutely to the requirements of the Fifth Grade set down in the new Elementary Syllabus of the Department of Education of the State of New York. 

Author's Preface