The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-27
LITERATURE.
ssTho Four Civi1izati0ns'-Mr. Henry
Wikof's Exposition Of History.*

ssTho Four Civi1izntions''-Mr. Henry
Wikoffs Exposition Of History.*
Any book which has for its theme the exposition
Of the history OF civilization, rather than the mere
narration OF the events OF history, is work to be
welcomed and read. Perhaps the most remarka-
BILE study OF this kind which has yet appeared are
the volumes OF Professor Heeren, on the civiliza-
tons Of Asia and Africa. like service was needed
for our own civilization which came with the birth
OF the Christian religion and has extended its in
nuence with the recognition and growth OF Chris
tianity IN Europe. This want Is In measure sup
piled by an historical retrospect by Mr.. Henry
Wikof entitled "The Four Civilizations OF the
World" which has just appeared. The three
earlier civilizations, according to Mr.. Wiko1,s
classification, are those or Asia and Africa and
of Europe during the Greek and Roman eras The
first two OF these are almost Identical, and the
third only differs from them in It's intellectual su-
periority. They all well understood and have
been SO deliberately and exhaustively treated by
other writers that Mr.. Wikof did well in passing
them over with such references only as were
necessary Tor the discussion Of the fourth era Of
civilizatlon-the epoch OF Christianity. 1t is to
this that the body of his work Is devoted, and
his book affords q rapid glance at the history or
the Papacy and OF france, England and the United
States which cannot fail to crafty every one who
cares to study the logic of events. Mr.. Wikof's
style Is clear and concise, and though the reader
may sometimes differ with the authors conclu-
siOns he will recognize in these outlines OF history
o well drawn picture OF our modern civilization.
After rapid review OF the origin OF Christianity
and Of the dark ages. which followed the destruc.
ton OF the Roman Empire OF the West Mr.. Wikor
begins his more thorough exposition Of history
with sketch OF France from the Middle Ages till
the final downfall OF the monarchy. The establish
ment OF the feudal system Is the real beginning OF
modern civilization for, under the lords OF the
castle, was the first permanent organization Of So
ciety and without q permanent society Christian
ity was practically imperative. Early England rs
regards the feudal system was only cory Of early
France, and In both countries the struggles OF
monarchy with feudaty and OF the people with
monarchy were carried forward as they began,
the French always leading the English. but not
building SO securely, though overturning the old
order Of things more completely. The influence OF
the Papacy was over both countries. and entered
into the political struggles Of Europe till the
Treaty OF Westphalla put an end to the religious
wars. Lastly comes the history OF the United
States, which Is the history Of the sovereignty Of
the people, 1t will be perceived from this that Mr.
Wikons groupings or events are excellent and that
the exposition or history which he makes is equally
valuable whether or not his conclusions are ac-
cepted. In closing his work Mr.. Wikor INDUCES
In some comments on the present and pr0gnostica-
lions OF the future, from which we quote:-
In denotlng the perturbations OF European So
ciety for so many centuries l have assigned aS
their principal caus, the efforts OF the lower class
OF inferior intelligence to obtain rom the upper
class OF superior intelligence an exemption from
unjust oppression, and the recognition OF their
equality before God and the law. l have shown
that this ground swell SO to speak, dates from the
Christian era; and 1t may now be said to have
nearly exhausted itself In three OF the leading
countries OF the world.
In the United States Is seen q society con-
structed on the basis OF absolute equality, re-
liglous, legal and political Such social distinc-
tons as exist flow from the inherent differences
between men, and are accepted as inevitable. All
that remains to be tested IL the fitness OF the mass
for self government, which must be solved by the
example of the United States. Everything has
favored the experiment in that country, and II 1t
be proved that the popular control exercised there
over government cannot preserve 1t IRON corrup-
ton, folly and crime-then all hope must be aban-
doned Of arriving at perfect government. But
happen what maybe It the fate OF the American
Union to republicanze the world, be it its fate
majority Is unable to curb the more intelligent
minority-yet it cannot be doubted that never
again will It be possible TO restore the ancient civ.
izattons which gave all to the upper class and
nothing TO the multitude. No government here.
after Will be durable or strong which does not pro-
mote the interests OF the Masses who, n not able
to guide IL, know they have the strength to over.
turn It.
In England q state Of society virtually similar
exists, since no obstacles are 1nterpOsed ia the
Claima OF genuine tntellirQuca rrhe nnuar ciaae