Italy

Despite the many thousands of books about Italy there seems to be still lacking one which would give, with the help of pictures, some general and comprehensive idea of the country which is a second fatherland to every civilized man. That lacks this volume seeks to supply. There was so much to be said of the Italian people and their achievements that but little of the text is devoted to Italy's natural beauty. The illustrations will compensate for that; and will also help the text to give some impression of Italian art and architecture. "The hope of visiting Italy one day is probably in the hearts of most who take a living interest in the story of this world of ours. To them I trust this volume will prove to be an introductory friend, indicating the main roads that their curiosity may best follow.
But I have written rather for others who will never feel under the Italian sun the urging at one to pride and humility in the records of our human race which comes from re-creating in thought the story of the Italian people. To them, as to the more fortunate ones who may visit Rome and Florenece, there is due, as part of the heritage of civilization, some knowledge of Italy. If I have helped any to come more easily to that knowledge, it will be a service of some usefulness."