THIS book attempts to give an account of the early history of the English nation, so far as the information at our disposal permits. The author ventures to hope that in spite of its many shortcomings it may serve to call attention to a field of investigation which, though rich in promise, has been greatly neglected, especially in this country. In general he has sought to make use of all branches of ethnological study—history, tradition, language, custom, religion and antiquities. Owing however to the backwardness of archaeological research throughout the north of Europe, except in Denmark and Sweden, it has not been found possible to treat the last of these subjects in a manner at all commensurate with its true importance. When this branch of study has been developed it will perhaps be possible to obtain more light on the affinities of the English nation in times anterior to those to which the earliest heroic traditions refer. At present, it need hardly be said, we have little definite evidence available for that early period, and any investigation that is made must necessarily partake more or less of a hypothetical character.

The author desires to express his thanks to a number of friends, including Dr A. C. Haddon and Prof. W. Ridgeway (members of the Editorial Committee supervising the series), Dr J. G. Frazer, Mr E. Magnússon, Dr W. H. R. Rivers, Mr A. B. Cook, Mr G. T. Lapsley, Miss M. Bentinck Smith, Mr W. F. Reddaway and Mr E. H. Minns, for the assistance which they have kindly rendered him in various ways.