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and the discovery and unravelling of ancient documentsmay be
described as an essentially modern attainment； so it would be
unreasonable to blame our older historians for errors which it was largely；
if not wholly； beyond their power to overe。 And it is just here that I
would emphasise my defence of the Romancist。 If Historians themselves
have differed （and still differ）！ may it not be pleaded on behalf of the
Historical Novelist that he also must be judged according to the
possibilities of his time？ For； while he may have too readily adopted
false conceptions in the past； there is no necessity why； in the future； he
alsoprofiting by the growth of Critical investigationshould 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
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A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and Tales
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
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A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and Tales
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 requiredas I have already hintedin 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 remendations should
lead in any degree to further appreciation of the great masters of Romance；
the labour （by no means inconsiderable） expended on this little
pilation will be amply rewarded。
J。 N。
January； 1902。
NOTEthe 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。
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