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ECLECTIC SCHOOL READINGS
The Story of the Greeks
BY
H. A. GUERBER
NEW YORK ·:· CINCINNATI ·:· CHICAGO
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
Copyright, 1896, by
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY.
STORY OF THE GREEKS.
W. P. 15
Theseus and the Minotaur.DEDICATED
TO
ARNOLD, HELEN, and EDWARD
PREFACE.
This elementary history of Greece is intended for supplementary readingor as a first history text-book for young pupils. It is therefore madeup principally of stories about persons; for, while history proper islargely beyond the comprehension of children, they are able at an earlyage to understand and enjoy anecdotes of people, especially of those inthe childhood of civilization. At the same time, these stories will givea clear idea of the most important events that have taken place in theancient world, and, it is hoped, will arouse a desire to read further.They also aim to enforce the lessons of perseverance, courage,patriotism, and virtue that are taught by the noble lives described.
A knowledge of ancient history, however superficial, is of very greatvalue; and the classic legends are almost equally worth knowing, becauseof the prominent part they play in the world's literature. These talesmake a deep impression on the minds of children, and the history thuslearned almost in play will cling to the memory far more tenaciouslythan any lessons subsequently conned.
Many children leave school unacquainted with any history except that ofthe United States; which, dealing with less simple and primitive timesthan that of Greece, is apt to be so unattractive that the child neverafterwards reads any historical works. It has been my intention to writea book which will give children[Pg 6] pleasure to read, and will thuscounteract the impression that history is uninteresting.
A few suggestions to teachers may not be considered superfluous. In thefirst place, I have found historical anecdotes an excellent aid inteaching English. Pupils find it far from irksome to relate the storiesin their own words, and to reproduce them in compositions. Secondly,whenever a city or country is mentioned, every pupil should point outits location on the map. By such means only can any one properly