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vi PREFACE But the purely historical part of such a work is far from being the most difficult. The real difficulty begins when we attempt to form a clear conception of the meaning and significance of the socialistic movement, to indicate its place in history, and the issues to which it is tending. In the concluding chapters I have made such an attempt, with full consciousness of the risks incurred. The good reader who takes the trouble to go so far through this book can accept my contribution to a hard problem for what it is worth. He may feel assured that it is offered with the best intentions.

To all thoughtful and discerning men it should now be clear that the solution of the social question is the great task which has been laid upon the present epoch in the history of the world, It is almost too great a reward for any man to have rendered any substantial service in the working of it out; and to have utterly failed is no disgrace. In such a cause it is an honour even to have done efficient work as a navvy or hodman.

It remains only to explain that material contributed to the “Encyclopadia Britannica” has been utilised for some portions of this volume; and I beg to thank the publishers for permission to do so.