The History of Nations: Holland, Belgium, Switzerland (Volume XIII), 1907 🇳🇱🇧🇪🇨🇭
































1. Introduction 📜🔍
This is a rare volume, Volume XIII of The History of Nations: Holland, Belgium, Switzerland. Published in 1907 as part of a massive historical set, this book is a primary historical document that captures the world's perception of these nations in the early 20th century. With its half-leather and cloth binding and a unique bookstore sticker, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of world history, decorative books, or antique volumes.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨
The History of Nations: Holland, Belgium, Switzerland provides a comprehensive historical account of these three European nations. This volume is a detailed and engaging work that covers their political, social, and military history, from the Burgundian period to the early 20th century. The book is a testament to the ambitious nature of early 20th-century historical publishing. As part of a larger, 25-volume set, this book captures the spirit of a time when there was a great public interest in understanding the forces that were shaping the modern world.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🏛️✍️✨
The series was a collaborative effort by numerous historians and scholars, with Henry Cabot Lodge, a prominent American politician and historian, serving as Editor-in-Chief. The series was created to provide a comprehensive and accessible account of the world's history for a mass audience. This volume, in particular, was edited by W. Harold Claflin, a noted American scholar. The books were meticulously researched and were praised for their attention to historical detail.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1907, this book is a "time capsule" of a world on the brink of immense change. The book’s narrative, which covers the histories of three smaller European states, reflects a period of intense nationalism and a growing interest in the political dynamics of Europe. The book’s publication also coincides with a period of immense public interest in world history and a desire to understand the forces that were shaping the modern world.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of world history, a scholar of European studies, or a private collector of decorative books. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's historical significance and its status as a document of a specific cultural moment. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of history, geopolitics, and the art of bookmaking.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a single volume from a large, mass-produced set, this book is not as rare as a unique first edition. However, a well-preserved copy in this condition is a desirable asset. Its value is derived from its status as a key historical document and its aesthetic appeal. The presence of a bookstore sticker adds a layer of provenance, making it a sound, collectible copy of a key work of Americana.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is a "handsome survivor" with authentic wear consistent with its age. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The half-leather and cloth binding shows rubbing and scuffing, which is expected for a book of this age. The pages are clean, with some minor discoloration, but the text is clear and readable. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤
This book’s unique provenance is documented by a small sticker on the front endpaper that reads:
“Capital Book Store, Sacramento, CA”
This sticker provides a direct, physical link to the book's past, documenting its journey from a California bookstore to a private library.
9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
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The "History of Nations" series was so popular that it was sold in a "library" form, with all 25 volumes sold as a single set.
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The book’s editor-in-chief, Henry Cabot Lodge, was a prominent American politician and historian who was a close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt.
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The book was published by P.F. Collier & Son, a major American publisher that specialized in mass-market books and encyclopedias.
10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
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Title: The History of Nations: Holland, Belgium, Switzerland
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Author/Maker: W. Harold Claflin, et al.
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Year: 1907
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Publisher/Foundry: P.F. Collier & Son
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Place of Origin: New York, USA
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Format/Binding: Hardcover
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Edition: Volume XIII
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Rarity: Unique (due to provenance)