"The World's Greatest Books — Volume 12 — Modern History" by Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton is a historical anthology published during the early 20th century. This collection delves into significant events and narratives from various periods in modern history, covering topics such as the history of the United States, the French Revolution, and the conquest of Mexico and Peru. The volume presents historical accounts from notable historians and writers, providing rich insights into the political and cultural developments that shaped modern societies. The opening of this volume introduces the work of Samuel Eliot, who chronicles the history of the United States. He details the early explorations and settlements by figures such as Leif Erikson, Christopher Columbus, and the founding of the Plymouth and Jamestown colonies. As Eliot progresses, he outlines key events leading to the American Revolutionary War, emphasizing the tensions between the colonies and British rule, which culminated in moments of resistance, including the Boston Tea Party and the establishment of the First Continental Congress. Through Eliot’s authoritative narrative, readers are encouraged to explore the complex factors contributing to the birth of a nation from its early days of discovery to its pivotal struggles for independence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)