Ir will easily be imagined that a book which is to contain within the compass of some three hundred pages, the biographies of FIFTY MEN, cannot descend greatly to detail. Indeed it has been found necessary to speak rather of the men than of their works,-to notice their general influence on the history of the world, rather than criticize the individual merits and services of each. In preparing this little volume, the object steadily kept in view throughout has been to crowd as much information as possible within the narrow limits afforded. Thus, no fact has been inserted that was not thoroughly authenticated; no anecdote told that rested upon mere hearsay; no opinion advanced that time and experience have not endorsed. To put before the reader the names of certain great men,-to indicate the nature of their trials and disappointments, and the extent of their services, to bring forward before the student the |