The Cambridge Modern History
An Account of its Origin, Authorship and Production

Originally a promotional booklet, first published in 1907, this work describes the genesis and publication of the Cambridge Modern History.

9781108036696, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 December 2011

120 pages, 5 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 0.7 cm, 0.16 kg

At the time of its conception in 1896, the Cambridge Modern History was envisaged as a 'great English universal history'. Six years later, the first volume was published, and reprinted within a month. The project would take years to complete, and just before the publication of the tenth volume in 1907, this short work was published by Cambridge University Press in order to promote the volumes and the project's history. The book opens with the origin of the project and the early plans of Lord Acton, its first editor. Also included are ten extracts from various volumes, along with the names of the first contributors, who delivered their chapters from as far afield as America, Germany, and Italy. Later chapters offer a short history of Cambridge University Press, an account of the production techniques used, and the terms by which the books (and their specially designed bookstand) could be obtained.

1. Lord Acton and the planning of the Cambridge Modern History
2. The editors and writers of the History
3. The value of the History
Extracts from the Cambridge Modern History: The trial of Savonarola
The New World and its gold
Martin Luther and the Diet of Worms
The Spanish Armada
Richelieu
The last campaign of Gustavus Adolphus
The impeachment of Strafford
The overthrow of the French Directory
Napoleon at St. Helena
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln
4. The Cambridge University Press and the production of the History
5. Terms on which the History may now be obtained.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]