Hebrew Heroes A Tale Founded on Jewish History

Excerpt

There are few portions of the world’s history which, to my own mind,
afford subjects of such thrilling interest as that which I have
selected for the groundwork of the following story.  I have tried, in
the main, to adhere closely to facts, though I have ventured somewhat
to compress the length of time which actually elapsed between the
rising against Syrian tyranny at Modin, and the restoration of the
Temple.  I may also have been inaccurate in representing Antiochus
Epiphanes as being still in Jerusalem at the period when the battle of
Emmaus took place.  Such trifling deviations from history seem to me,
however, by no means to interfere with that fidelity to its grand
outlines which an author should conscientiously observe.  No historical
character has been wilfully misrepresented in these pages.  If I have
ventured to paint one of the noblest of Judah’s heroes with the
feelings and weaknesses common to man, I trust that even his most
enthusiastic Hebrew admirer will not deem that they lower his dignity
as commander, or patriot prince.