To each of these accounts is prefixed a brief introduction, prepared for this work by a specialist in the field of history of which it treats.  This introduction serves a double purpose.  In the first place, it explains whatever is necessary for the understanding and appreciation of the story that follows.  Unfortunately, many a striking bit of historic writing has become antiquated in the present day.  Scholars have discovered that it blunders here and there, perhaps is prejudiced, perhaps extravagant.  Newer writers, therefore, base a new book upon the old one, not changing much, but paraphrasing it into deadly dullness by their efforts after accuracy.  Thanks to our introduction we can revive the more spirited account, and, while pointing out its value to the reader, can warn him of its errors.  Thus he secures in briefest form the results of the most recent research.

Another purpose of the introduction is to link each event with the preceding ones in whatever countries it affects.  Thus if one chooses he may read by countries after all, and get a completed story of a single nation.  That is, he may peruse the account of the battle of Hastings and then turn onward to the making of the Domesday Book, where he will find a few brief lines to cover the intervening space in England’s history.  From the struggles of Stephen and Matilda he is led to the quarrel of her son, King Henry, with Thomas Becket, and so onward step by step.

Starting with this ground plan of the design in mind, the reader will see that its compilation was a work of enormous labor.  This has been undertaken seriously, patiently, and with earnest purpose.  The first problem to be confronted was, What were the Great Events that should be told?  Almost every writer and teacher of history, every well-known authority, was appealed to; many lists of events were compiled, revised, collated, and compared; and so at last our final list was evolved, fitted to bear the brunt of every criticism.

Then came the heavier problem of what authorities to quote for each event.  And here also the editors owe much to the capable aid of many generous, unremunerated advisers.  Thus, for instance, they sought and obtained from the Hon. Joseph Chamberlain his advice as to the authorities to be used for the Jameson raid and the Boer war.  The account presented may therefore be fairly regarded as England’s own authoritative presentment of those events.  Several little known and wholly unused Russian sources were pointed out by Professor Rambaud, the French Academician.  But this is mentioned only to illustrate the impartiality with which the editors have endeavored to cover all fields.  If, under the plea of expressing gratitude to all those who have lent us courteous assistance, we were to spread across these pages the long roll of their distinguished names, it would sound too much like boasting of their condescension.