Text: N. P. Willis (?), Review of W. Cooke Taylor, Manual of Ancient and Modern History, Evening Mirror (New York), February 22, 1845, vol. 1, no. 118, p. 2, col. 5

[page 2, top of column 5:]

MANUAL OF ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY. — Comprising, I. Ancient History, and illustrated by modern discoverers. II. Modern History. By W. Cooke Taylor. Revised, with a chapter on the History of the United States, by C. S. Henry, D. D. New York, D. Appleton & Co.: Philadelphia, George S. Appleton.

We have often been perplexed to find a book fit for an introduction and a guide to the study and acquisition of historical knowledge. The chronological tables and synoptical contrasts and coincidences are insufficient. There is wanting not only the outline but the filling up, at least enough of it to exhibit the prominent features of the passing actors, and the characteristics of the shifting scenery as they have been exhibited both in anterior and more recent periods. Mr. Taylor's Manual is the very treatise to supply the deficiency. It is comprehensive, true, accurate, and judicious; comprising all the great distinctive points in the annals of the nations, so far as they are authentic and worthy of record. For a text-book for Colleges and Academies, and for domestic use, it is the best work yet issued.