Ebook History of Germany

Mr. Taylor was exceptionally Well equipped for writing a popu lar history of Germany. At the time when he wrote (1873) he had already been many years in Germany occupied in his well known studies of Goethe; he had married a German lady, had traveled widely, and Shared in that German enthusiasm which ac companied the foundation of the German Empire. He made use in his history of the best results of the German historical scholarship of his day. But in the generation which has passed scientific his torical research has brought to light a mine of new material; the economic historians have taught us to lay a new emphasis on that side of historical development; and time has brought more just judgments in regard to disputed religious questions. It has been the aim of the editor to preserve as nearly as possible the original text, and yet bring it completely into line with the best modern scholarship. The necessary changes were so numerous and so varied in character that for the sake of smoothness in the narrative it has seemed better to incorporate all changes directly in the text rather than distract the reader's attention with innumerable footnotes. The responsibility for the last chapter rests wholly with the editor; in brief space he has attempted to sum up the leading features in the development of Germany in the last thirty years.