Macgregor's Intermediate Histories
Author: Mary Macgregor
Publisher: E. C. & T. C. Jack, London
Dates: 1907–1914
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| SHE CHANGED ARACHNE INTO A SPIDER |
Mary Macgregor, along with H. E. Marshall, was one of the principle authors of
juvenile history, who wrote for E. C & T. C. Jack during the early years of the
twentieth century. Like Marshall, she collaborated on several children's series
of books, including
Told to the Children and
Children's Heroes.
Like Marshall, she also write storybook histories for middle school children. While Marshall
specialized in histories of the british Isles however, Magregor focused on Ancient Civilizations,
including Greece and Rome. Her books were widely read classics, republished for many years
in both the british Empire, and the United States, most recently in the the 1960's. Both sets
of history books were beautifully illustrated with dozens of original color scenes from history.
Macgregors Histories of Greece and Rome begin with the legendary past of these classic
civilizations, and focus mainly on the more romantic earlier years. Her Story of Greece begins
with a thorough review of many of the most famous Greek myths, and covers all of the well
known incidents, characters and battles of Classical Greece. Her history ends at the age of
Alexander. Likewise, her Story of Rome begins with the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus and
continues through the kingdom and republican periods, ending during the reign of Caesar Augustus.
In addition to her well-known histories of Greece and Rome, Macgregor published two other
comprehensive histories of France and the Netherlands. Macgregor’s
Story of France begins during the age of the Celtic Druids and continues
through the Franco Prussian War. Her
Netherlands, on the other hand is somewhat different is scope, focusing
almost entirely on the Netherlands' War of Independence from Spain. Macgregor's version tells the
whole story of one of the most important events in Protestant history in fascinating detail.
Story of Greece by Mary Macgregor
These stories from the history of ancient Greece begin with myths and legends of gods and heroes and end with the conquests of Alexander the Great. The book is accessible and well organized, but it is considerably more detailed than some other introductory texts. It covers Greek history from the age of Mythology to the rise of Alexander, but because of its length we do not recommend it for 5th grade or younger. It is an excellent reference, thoroughly engaging, and a good candidate for a somewhat older student's first foray into Greek history.167 credits
Story of Rome by Mary Macgregor
A vivid account of the story of Rome from the earliest times to the death of Augustus, retold for children, chronicling the birth of a city and its growth through storm and struggle to become a great world empire. Gives short accounts of battles and campaigns, and of the men who expanded the borders of the Roman empire to include all lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea.201 credits
Story of France by Mary Macgregor
This comprehensive history of France covers Gaul from the Roman conquest to the Franco-Prussian War in the late 19th century. The stories of French heroes such as Vercingetorix, Clovis, Roland, Charlemagne, Rollo the Viking, St. Louis, Bertrand du Guesclin, Joan of Arc, Charles the Bold, Bayard, Henry Navarre, Louis XIV, and Napoleon Bonaparte are told with great interest.226 credits
Netherlands by Mary Macgregor
The Story of the Netherlands is really the story William of Orange the great Protestant hero of Dutch independence. During the reign of Phillip II, the religious and political suppression of the lowlanders resulted in a great struggle between Spain, led by the iron-fisted Alva; and the Netherlands, led by William of Orange. After a serious of dramatic oppressions and rebellions, the Dutch finally won their independence. 132 credits