November Series of the Month: Modern Democracies by Viscount James Bryce

After a very stressful and heated election year, all of us at Cosimo are slowing down and giving thanks for democracy with our November Series of the Month, Modern Democracies by British historian Viscount James Bryce.

This 1921 study of democracy in action, presented in two volumes, is not only an important examination of the state of the free world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it's a vital reminder, as democracy continues to struggle to fruition around the globe, of history as an ongoing story.

Volume I covers the definition and historical evolution of democracy, the theoretical foundations of democracy, democracy as it interacts with education and religion, the press in a democracy, and democracy at work in the ancient republic of Athens, in Spanish America, and in France, Switzerland, and Canada.

Volume II covers the decline of legislatures, the executive in a democracy, democracy and foreign policy, the judiciary, the relation of central to local government, the money power in politics, democracy compared with other forms of government, the future of democracy, and democracy at work in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

About the Author

British historian Viscount James Bryce (1838–1922) attended the University of Glasgow and Trinity College, Oxford. He is best known for his scholarship of the Holy Roman Empire. His popular works include Studies in History and Jurisprudence (1901) and Studies in Contemporary Biography (1903).

Cosimo offers the full set by individual volume at leading online bookstores or as a full set in paperback. This series is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical literature, or anyone who has an interest in politics, government, or past elections. If you are interested in purchasing the full set, please contact us.

The paperback retail price for this set is $59.98, but now our price is $49.99 (you save $9.99 or 16%)

July Classic of the Month: The Great Illusion by Sir Norman Angell

Cosimo is happy to announce our July Classic of the Month, The Great Illusion by Sir Norman Angell.


First published in 1909, The Great Illusion sets out to answer one of the greatest questions in human history: Why is there war? Specifically, Angell wishes to discuss why there is war between the countries of Europe, which seem to always be at one another's throats. Angell refutes the belief that military power results in greater wealth and instead proposes that advanced economies based on trade and contract law can only generate value in the absence of military upset. War destroys any wealth that conquerors may have wanted to obtain, making the whole enterprise pointless. A deep understanding of this would, then, end the need for war. Perfect for those readers immersing themselves in war classics for the 100th year anniversary of World War I.


About the Author
British journalist and politician Sir Ralph Norman Angell (1872-1967) was an executive for the World Committee against War and Fascism and a member of the executive committee of the League of Nations Union. Knighted in 1931, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1933. From 1905 to 1912, he was the Paris editor for the Daily Mail, and served as a Labour MP from 1929 to 1931. He is also the author of Peace Theories and the Balkan War and The Fruits of Victory.

Cosimo is proud to offer both paperback and hardcover editions of The Great Illusion at leading online bookstores including Barnes & Noble (paperback, hardcover), and Amazon (paperback, hardcover).