OF MODERN EUROPE FROM THE FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE IN 1453 TO THE CLOSE OF THE CRIMEAN WAR IN 1857 BY THOMAS HENRY DYER IN FOUR VOLUMES-VOL. III. LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET 1864 223.1.3. The right of translation is reserved IN publishing the two concluding volumes of this work, the author wishes to remove an impression which appears to have prevailed in some quarters, that it was designed to supersede the study of the continental historians. So far from this being the case, its more humble aim is to serve as an introduction to such a study; and it is with this view that reference has been constantly made to the best sources, whence more ample and satisfactory information might be derived. It was also hoped that the book might convey, to such readers as have not time or inclination for deeper studies, a tolerable idea of the chief events of continental history; as well as prove a handy-book of reference to refresh the memory even of the more erudite; for which purpose a copious Index has been subjoined to the last volume. It was further imagined that the work might afford some notion, however imperfect, of the general connection of the events of European history, which cannot commonly be gained from the histories of particular States. With these few words of explanation as to the objects of his work, the author respectfully submits it to the candour of his critics, and to public trial and use. Nobody can be more sensible than himself of the numerous faults and imperfections which it must necessarily contain; in palliation of which the best plea he can offer is the vast extent and enormous difficulty of the subject. London: October 1864. |