In 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality (French)' by Charles Morris, readers are immersed in a collection of captivating historical stories that blend fact with fiction in a masterful way. Morris's literary style is rich and descriptive, creating a vivid picture of the past for readers to explore. The book provides a unique perspective on history, making it a valuable addition to the world of historical literature. The stories are both engaging and informative, making it an enjoyable read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. With its blend of romance and reality, Morris's book offers a fresh take on well-known historical events, bringing them to life in a new and exciting way. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history or looking for a captivating literary journey through the past.

The year 1000 A.D. was one of strange history. Its advent threw the people of Europe into a state of mortal terror. Ten centuries had passed since the birth of Christ. The world was about to come to an end. Such was the general belief. How it was to reach its end,—whether by fire, water, or some other agent of ruin,—the prophets of disaster did not say, nor did people trouble themselves to learn. Destruction was coming upon them, that was enough to know; how to provide against it was the one thing to be considered. Some hastened to the churches; others to the taverns. Here prayers went up; there wine went down. The petitions of the pious were matched by the ribaldry of the profligate. Some made their wills; others wasted their wealth in revelry, eager to get all the pleasure out of life that remained for them. Many freely gave away their property, hoping, by ridding themselves of the goods of this earth, to establish a claim to the goods of Heaven, with little regard to the fate of those whom they loaded with their discarded wealth. It was an era of ignorance and superstition. Christendom went insane over an idea. When the year ended, and the world rolled on, none the worse for conflagration or deluge, green with the spring leafage and ripe with the works of man, dismay gave way to hope, mirth took the place of prayer, man regained their flown wits, and those who had so recklessly given away their wealth bethought themselves of taking legal measures for its recovery. Such was one of the events that made that year memorable. There was another of a highly different character. Instead of a world being lost, a world was found. The Old World not only remained unharmed, but a New World was added to it, a world beyond the seas, for this was the year in which the foot of the European was first set upon the shores of the trans-Atlantic continent. It is the story of this first discovery of America that we have now to tell. In the autumn of the year 1000, in a region far away from fear-haunted Europe, a scene was being enacted of a very different character from that just described. Over the waters of unknown seas a small, strange craft boldly made its way, manned by a crew of the hardiest and most vigorous men, driven by a single square sail, whose coarse woollen texture bellied deeply before the fierce ocean winds, which seemed at times as if they would drive that deckless vessel bodily beneath the waves. This crew was of men to whom fear was almost unknown, the stalwart Vikings of the North, whose oar-and sail-driven barks now set out from the coasts of Norway and Denmark to ravage the shores of southern Europe, now turned their prows boldly to the west in search of unknown lands afar. Shall we describe this craft? It was a tiny one in which to venture upon an untravelled ocean in search of an unknown continent,—a vessel shaped somewhat like a strung bow, scarcely fifty feet in length, low amidships and curving upwards to high peaks at stem and stern, both of which converged to sharp edges. It resembled an enormous canoe rather than aught else to which we can compare it. On the stem was a carved and gilt dragon, the figurehead of the ship, which glittered in the bright rays of the sun. Along the bulwarks of the ship, fore and aft, hung rows of large painted wooden shields, which gave an Argus-eyed aspect to the craft. Between them was a double row of thole-pins for the great oars, which now lay at rest in the bottom of the boat, but by which, in calm weather, this "walker of the seas" could be forced swiftly through the yielding element.

In 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality (Scandinavian),' Charles Morris presents a collection of captivating stories from Scandinavian history. Written in a fluid and engaging narrative style, Morris delves into the myths, legends, and historical events of the region, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue and adventure. This book is a perfect blend of fact and fiction, offering readers a unique insight into the cultural richness of Scandinavia. Morris skillfully weaves together historical facts with imaginative storytelling, creating a compelling read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike. Charles Morris, a renowned historian and author, was inspired to write 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality (Scandinavian)' by his deep appreciation for the history and folklore of Scandinavia. His extensive research and passion for the subject shine through in this meticulously crafted collection of tales. Morris's expertise in historical narratives and his engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Scandinavian history and literature. I highly recommend 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality (Scandinavian)' to readers who enjoy captivating historical fiction and want to explore the rich tapestry of Scandinavian culture. Morris's masterful storytelling and profound knowledge of the subject make this book an enlightening and entertaining journey through the annals of Scandinavian history.

In 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality: American' by Charles Morris, readers are taken on a captivating journey through American history, presented in a unique storytelling style that combines both romanticism and reality. Morris seamlessly weaves together facts and narratives to create a rich tapestry of the American experience, making this book a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and students alike. The author's literary style effectively brings historical figures and events to life, offering readers a deeper understanding of the cultural and political context of the time period. Charles Morris, a renowned historian and author, draws upon his extensive knowledge of American history to craft this engaging narrative. His passion for storytelling and meticulous research are evident throughout the book, as he delves into lesser-known stories and shines a light on the complexities of the American past. I highly recommend 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality: American' to anyone interested in delving into the fascinating world of American history. Morris's expertise and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for those seeking a deeper appreciation of our nation's past.

In 'Historic Tales: The Romance of Reality (King Arthur)', the editors have masterfully curated a collection that spans the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend, intertwining the valiant narratives of chivalry and adventure that have captivated audiences for centuries. This anthologys strength lies in its diverse literary styles, from the noble prose of Sir Thomas Malory to the engaging retellings by Charles Morris, offering readers a comprehensive view of the enduring appeal and complexity of King Arthur's tales. The selections within highlight the versatile ways in which the Arthurian legends have been approached, reflecting both the medieval imagination and its lasting influence on Western literature. The inclusion of both seminal texts and lesser-known gems provides a unique opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of the Arthurian world. The contributing authors, Sir Thomas Malory and Charles Morris, bring distinct voices to the collection, rooted in different historical periods yet united by their fascination with Arthurian lore. Malory's 15th-century work provides a foundational narrative for the genre, while Morris's 19th-century contributions reflect a Victorian fascination with medievalism. Together, their works exemplify the evolution of Arthurian legend across centuries, embodying shifts in cultural values, literary styles, and historical contexts. This anthology is a remarkable feat, bridging the gap between scholarship and accessibility. It is an essential addition for those eager to explore the multifaceted narratives of Arthurian legend, offering insights into heroism, morality, and the human condition as depicted in these timeless stories. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection not only for its entertainment value but for a deeper understanding of the cultural and literary significance that the legend of King Arthur continues to hold today.