The reader is requested to observe, that, though the plan of this work
is entirely his own, the compiler of it does not put it forth as in any
way original in respect to language or description. It is, in fact, a
much better book, than if it had been what is strictly called original,
(which, indeed, must have involved an utter impossibility:) for it is a
selection of some of the best materials the British Museum could
furnish; sometimes worked up in his own language; and sometimes--and,
indeed, very frequently--in that of others: the compiler having, at an
humble distance and with unequal steps, followed the plan which M.
Rollin proposed to himself, when he composed his celebrated history of
ancient times.--"To adorn and enrich my own," says that celebrated
writer, "I will be so ingenuous as to confess, that I do not scruple,
nor am ashamed, to rifle whereever I come; and that I often do not cite
the authors from whom I transcribe, because of the liberty I take to
make some slight alterations. I have made the best use in my power of
the solid reflections that occur in the Bishop of Meaux's Universal
History, which is one of the most beautiful and most useful books in our
language. I have also received great assistance from the learned Dean
Prideaux's 'Connexion of the Old and New Testament,' in which he has
traced and cleared up, in an admirable manner, the particulars relating
to ancient history. I shall take the same liberty with whatever comes in
my way, that may suit my design, and contribute to its perfection. I am
very sensible, that it is not so much for a person's reputation to make
use of other men's labours, and that it is in a manner renouncing the
name and quality of author. But I am not over-fond of that title, and
shall be extremely well pleased, and think myself very happy, if I can
but deserve the name of a good compiler; and supply my readers with a
tolerable history, who will not be over-solicitous to inquire what hand
it comes from, provided they are but pleased with it."
Having followed this example,--the compiler wishes he could say with
equal effect,--he will be fully satisfied, should judicious readers feel
inclined to concede, that he has shown some judgment in selecting his
materials, and some taste in binding "the beads of the chain," that
connects them together. He disclaims, in fact, (as, in the present
instance, he is bound to do), all the "_divine honours_" of authorship;
satisfied with those of a selecter, adapter, and compiler; and happy in
the hope that he has here, by means of the superior writers, whose
labours he has used, furnished his readers with an useful, accurate, and
amusing work.
C. B.
_London, January 1st, 1840._