A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and Tales | Page 8

false conceptions in the past, there is no necessity why, in the future, he also--profiting by the growth of Critical investigation--should not have due regard, in the working out of his Historical background, for all the latest "results." And, I would further add, even though it be true that Scott and others have misled us in certain directions, this does not prevent our acknowledgment that, given their aspect of a particular period, it was only fitting that the scheme of their novels should be in harmony with it. If "Bloody Mary" was a cruel hypocrite, then our reading of her period will be influenced by that real (or supposed) fact; but, if further investigation reverses this severe judgment on the woman herself, then, in Heaven's name, let us mould our general conception afresh. The fountains of Romance show no sign of running dry, and, though we may look in vain at the moment for a genius of the very highest type, the Future has possibilities within it which the greatest literary pessimist among us cannot wholly deny. If, then, fault can be found with the older Romancists for the spreading here and there of false historical notions, let us look to future workers in the same sphere for adjustment. I believe, however, that one notable critic has pronounced the mischief already done to be quite irreparable, seeing that the only "History" at all widely spread is that derived from those very romances in which errors are so interwoven with the sentimental interest of the plot itself that readers inevitably "hug their delusions!" But I think that this danger need not be contemplated seriously. The Historical Novel exists primarily as Fiction, and, even though in our waking moments we may be persuaded of the unreality of that "dream" which a Scott or a Dumas has produced for us, we shall still be able to place ourselves again and again under the spell of their delightful influence. Moreover, while admitting Dumas' carelessness of exact detail, it would hardly be contended by the most sceptical that his works (still less those of Scott) are without any background of Historic suggestiveness. Scott, indeed, shows signs of having possessed something of that "detachment" which is one important qualification in the Historian proper; there is a fairness and prevision in his historical judgments which we look for in vain when reading the works of his contemporaries.
And, having thus touched on what I believe to be the true relation between Romance and History, I may note, as a last word, the use of the Historical Tale to those who have the training of young folk. That "desire to know," which is an essential for all true learning, is sometimes best fostered by methods outside the ordinary School routine. Thus, as regards History, where the text-book fails in arousing interest, the tale may succeed, and, once the spirit of inquiry has been stimulated, half the battle is gained. In saying this I am far from wishing to imply that the reading of romances can ever take the place of genuine historical study. I know well that such a book as Green's "Short History of the English People" may prove to some more fascinating than any novel. There are, however, cases in which recourse may be had to a high-class work of fiction for the attainment of a truer historic sense; while, taken only as supplement to more strictly Academic reading, such a work may prove to have its uses. Considerable discrimination is required--as I have already hinted--in the choice of suitable books, and, as a help in this direction, I have made out (vide "Suggested courses of Reading" at the end of this volume) two special lists for Boys and Girls respectively, which will, I trust, be found useful. If, besides being of help to teachers, my recommendations should lead in any degree to further appreciation of the great masters of Romance, the labour (by no means inconsiderable) expended on this little compilation will be amply rewarded.
J. N.
January, 1902.

NOTE--the order in which the books are placed is, on the whole, according to the periods dealt with; occasionally the grouping decided on has prevented absolute correctness in this respect.
PRE-CHRISTIAN ERA.
SARCHEDON -- G. J. Whyte Melville Ancient Babylon and the Assyrians W. Thacker & Co., and Ward, Lock, & Co.
UARDA -- Georg Ebers (trans.) Egypt--Rameses Sesostris Sampson Low & Co.
ZOROASTER -- F. Marion Crawford Zoroaster, the Persian Religious Reformer Macmillan & Co.
AN EGYPTIAN PRINCESS -- Georg Ebers (trans.) Egypt--Amasis and Cambyses, 6th Century B. C. Sampson Low & Co.
THE FALL OF ATHENS -- A. J. Church Peloponnesian War Seeley & Co.
A YOUNG MACEDONIAN -- A. J. Church Alexander the Great Seeley & Co.
SALAMMBO -- Gustave Flaubert (trans.) Rome versus Carthage G. P. Putnam's Sons, and Grant Richards
THE LION'S BROOD --