volume one

IV PKEFACE.
cipally orally by those of the latter ; and we may safely assert
that out of the millions who are now readers, very few
would have the courage to attack so large a work as this in
the original language, which they know they cannot master
without dictionary and grammar. AYhere there is one who
would take it up with the double purpose of practising
Prench and studying history, there are hundreds who, as a
relaxation from political, commercial, or industrial pursuits,
vrould be satisfied with being amusingly instructed by read-
ing it at ease and at leisure in their own language. As ideas
are the principal objects of books, all good works should be
translated.
And we unhesitatingly claim a place among these for
that which we are about to lay before the public. It were
superfluous to speak of the advantages derived from the
science to which it belongs ; and there can be no doubt
that the Crusades form one of the most important sections
of human history ; not only instructive, but extraordinary
supplying abimdance of edifying matter to the statesman,
the philosopher, the poet, the novelist, and the citizen. If
it be true that no page of history should be considered as a
blank to the statesman, which leaf of her vast volume can
he turn with much more promise of instruction ? He will
behold men, of powerful and ambitious minds, seizing upon
the worst passions of various ages,—superstition, cupidity,
and cruelty,—and wielding the energies of incredible multi-
tudes, in endeavours to work out their own ends and
views. Many an invaluable lesson may he gather from the
want of foresight, prudence, knowledge, and unanimity dis-
played in these astonishing enterprises ;
wliilst the causes of
numerous effects now in operation may be plainly traced to
these eventftd periods.
But to none will this great field present so rich a harvest
as to the philosopher. He will see all the feelings and
;