The Story of the Greeks

by H. A. Guerber

From the first inhabitants of Greece through its incorporation as a province of the Roman Empire in 196 BC, The Story of the Greeks retells as an engaging narrative the the history of Ancient Greece and the stories of its famous leaders and philosophers. In 115 lessons, we learn of the Trojan War, the Rise of Sparta, the Democracy of Athens, the Grecian-Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, the Conquest of Alexander the Great, and much more. We meet the good and the just; the wicked and proud: Theseus, Achilles, Lycurgus, Draco, Solon, Leonidas, Pericles, Socrates, Dionysius, Demosthenes, to name just a few.

In her preface, Miss Guerber writes, “This elementary history of Greece is intended for supplementary reading or as a first history text-book for young pupils. It is therefore made up principally of stories about persons; for, while history proper is largely beyond the comprehension of children, they are able at an early age to understand and enjoy anecdotes of people, especially of those in the childhood of civilization. At the same time, these stories will give a clear idea of the most important events that have taken place in the ancient world, and, it is hoped, will arouse a desire to read further. They also aim to enforce the lessons of perseverence, courage, patriotism, and virtue that are taught by the noble lives described.” The Guerber series is geared towards grades 2-6; however, engaging enough for the entire family.