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TO THE READER.

Historic Difficulties comprise twelve histories, ranging from the ancient world, B. C. 306, to Galileo Galilei, 1620.

We had long observed the public taste for this species of corrective reading, extended to modern times, and inquiries of a more popular and practical character than those of the antique world. In 1841, we published a volume of Popular Errors Explained and Illustrated, which, though successful, did not attain an extraordinary sale. Readers were not then ready for such inquiries; but, in 1858, we reproduced this work in an entirely new form; taking Sir Thomas Browne's Vulgar Errors as the text book for the older portion of the work, in great part re-written. Of this improved edition of Popular Errors several thousand copies have been sold, and the Work is kept in print.

The present volume-HISTORIC NINEPINS-an eccentric title, by the way-seeks to supply the requirements of a large class of readers, and in such plain words "that he may run who readeth." The work is divided into eleven sections, which collectively contain more than three hundred articles. We have termed it "A Book for Old and Young,' inasmuch as, besides the Wonders of Classic Fable and Popular Fiction, those in our Early History extend beyond the limits of mere abstracts; such are the Stories of English Life, which are the delight of our early years indeed, of all ages. To the leading events of our history, proportionate attention is paid, in such a manner, as by their concentration, to point with warmth and quickness upon the reader's comprehension.

Meanwhile, a contemporaneous interest attaches to the HISTORIC NINEPINS, for its "Historico-Political Information," by way of annotation; and here we have specially to acknowledge our obligation to "the Fourth Estate," which affords a faithful and eloquent reflex of "the very age and body of the time." The annexed Table of Contents and copious Index will, however, best bespeak the variety as well as general character of the work, which has been prepared with due regard to accredited authorities, as well as attractiveness of narration.

In such an assemblage of Names, Dates, and Facts, as the present volume contains, it would be presumptuous to promise freedom from error; but the reader is assured that no pains have been spared to insure accuracy.

December, 1868.