The History of Nations.

New York: P. F. Collier & Son,, [c.1913]. Deluxe edition, an attractive early reissue of this comprehensive series of world history. Each volume was either written for the series or adapted from an existing work; the set thus brings together a wide array of authors (such as the Nobel Prize-winning Theodor Mommsen) and associate editors, all experts in their relevant fields, under the editorship of the senator Henry Cabot Lodge (1850-1924). In addition to his political achievements, Lodge received one of the first American PhDs in history. In his introduction, "Lodge at last availed himself of the opportunity to examine the intricacies of his craft and respond openly to the contemporary trends in the historical profession" (Singer, p.23). The History of Nations was originally published by John D. Morris & Company (copyright 1907). After the First World War, a 26th volume was added - The Nations and the Great War. 25 volumes, octavo. Publisher's deluxe crushed pink morocco, spines with raised bands, compartments lettered and decorated in gilt with geometric pattern and relevant vignettes, covers panelled in gilt enclosing gilt central laurel device, white moiré silk endpapers, top edges gilt, fore and bottom edges uncut, pink bookmarkers. Frontispieces with captioned tissue guards to volumes 1-24, 371 of a called-for 375 plates, 10 colour plates with captioned tissue guards, double-page colour maps at rear of volumes 1-24, maps to text, illustrated half-titles, contents printed in red and black. Several gatherings unopened. Occasional very faint discolouration to leather, a few small incidents of worming to joints. A near-fine set. Claude Singer, "The grim security of the past: the historiography of Henry Cabot Lodge", Portland State University thesis, 1973, accessible online.