This "True Story of Christopher Columbus" is offered and inscribed to the
boys and girls of America as the opening volume in a series especially designed
for their reading, and to be called "Children's Lives of Great Men." In this
series the place of honor, or rather of position, is given to Columbus the
Admiral, because had it not been for him and for his pluck and faith and
perseverance there might have been no young Americans, such as we know to-day,
to read or care about the world's great men.
Columbus led the American advance; he discovered the New World; he left a
record of persistence in spite of discouragement and of triumph over all
obstacles, that has been the inspiration and guide for Americans ever since his
day, and that has led them to work on in faith and hope until the end they
strove for was won.
"The True Story of Christopher Columbus" will be followed by the "true story"
of others who have left names for us to honor and revere, who have made the
world better because they lived, and who have helped to make and to develop
American freedom, strength and progress.
It will be the endeavor to have all these presented in the simple,
straightforward, earnest way that appeals to children, and shows how the hero
can be the man, and the man the hero. E. S. B.
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