Subject
Thesis (Ph. D.) Books
Best books
Finley Melville Kendall Foster
English Translations from the Greek: A Bibliographical Survey
"English Translations From The Greek: A Bibliographical Survey" by Finley Melville Kendall Foster is a scholarly work focused on the history of English translations of Greek literature, written in the early 20th century. This publication serves as a comprehensive bibliographical survey, detailing approximately 2164 translations from Greek works into English and American literature from 1484 to 1916. It seeks to map the growth and development of Greek literature in English, emphasizing the cultural and literary exchanges between the two languages over the centuries. The opening of this work presents the origins of the study, initially stemming from a preliminary investigation of 19th-century attitudes towards Greek classics. Foster outlines the methodology for the survey, noting the significance of events such as the establishment of Caxton's printing press. He highlights key factors influencing the growth of Greek translations, including public interest in Greek culture, the implications of the Greek Revolution, and the roles of classical libraries. The author acknowledges limitations in scope and categorization but aims to provide a foundational resource for understanding the translations’ influence on English literature. This reveals an intricate relationship between reading public interests and the literary output of Greek texts throughout the ages.
Vernon Stauffer
New England and the Bavarian Illuminati
"New England and the Bavarian Illuminati" by Vernon Stauffer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work examines the decline of Puritanism and the influence of the European Illuminati in New England during the late 18th century, focusing particularly on the political and religious tensions of the time. Stauffer explores themes of ideological conflict, societal changes following the American Revolution, and the reaction against established religious institutions. The opening of the text highlights the tumultuous nature of New England life at the close of the 18th century, marked by anxiety and diverse clashing interests. Stauffer attributes a pervasive spirit of apprehension to various factors, including the rising influence of dissenting thought and political turbulence. He introduces the Reverend Jedediah Morse's shocking sermons in 1798, which tied the societal upheaval to the supposed threat of the Illuminati infiltrating American society. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of how these fears, although later seen as unfounded, resonated deeply within the populace and influenced the prevailing political and religious discourse.
Frances Theresa Russell
Satire in the Victorian novel
"Satire in the Victorian Novel" by Frances Theresa Russell is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work examines the intersection of satire and the English novel during the Victorian era, emphasizing the critical role of satire as a literary form. The author likely analyzes various Victorian novelists and their satirical techniques, elaborating on how their works reflect social and moral critiques of their time, engaging deeply with the complexities of human folly and deception. At the start of the book, Russell introduces the concept of satire, discussing its ambiguous reception and its dual nature as humor and criticism. She reflects on the challenges satirists face in understanding and portraying their subjects, particularly in a society rife with deception and pretense. By exploring the historical context of Victorian literature, Russell sets the stage for examining key authors and their satirical contributions, hinting at the depth and breadth of this literary genre and its significant impact on society. Overall, the opening portion serves as an invitation to delve deeper into the intricate relationships between satire, fiction, and the prevailing social ethos of Victorian England.
Bessie Louise Pierce
Public opinion and the teaching of history in the United States
"Public Opinion and the Teaching of History in the United States" by Bessie Louise Pierce is a scholarly examination written in the early 20th century. This work analyzes the influence of public opinion and various legislative actions on the teaching of history in American public schools. It elucidates significant historical attempts to control the narrative of history in education, reflecting the unfolding relationship between patriotism, law, and education in the United States. The opening of the book presents a preface indicating the author’s intent to document the historical and legislative frameworks that have shaped the teaching of history in American public schools. It introduces themes such as the impact of local and national influences, the foundational early educational laws, and the evolution of curriculum due to significant events such as the Civil War and the World War. Pierce notes the importance of diverse pressures—such as religious, educational, and political—on how history is taught, suggesting that these influences have significantly altered educational practices over time.
Esther Parker Ellinger
The Southern war poetry of the Civil War
"The Southern War Poetry of the Civil War" by Esther Parker Ellinger is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive thesis that delves into the rich tapestry of poetry generated in the Confederate States during the Civil War, highlighting its emotional significance and cultural impact. Ellinger argues for the importance of these poetic expressions as vital reflections of the Southern experience and sentiment during a tumultuous period. At the start of the work, Ellinger expresses gratitude to those who contributed to her research and provides context for the poetry of the time, asserting that it served as a powerful medium for emotional expression that went beyond mere historical facts. The opening chapter emphasizes the significance of Southern war poetry as an articulate voice that conveyed the sentiments of a people engaged in a struggle for liberty and identity, countering the notion that such literary output was of lesser importance. It asserts that the poetry not only chronicled the events of the war but also captured the spirit, passion, and dedication of the Southern populace involved in the conflict.
Ernest Brehaut
An encyclopedist of the dark ages: Isidore of Seville
"An Encyclopedist of the Dark Ages: Isidore of Seville" by Ernest Brehaut is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the contributions of Isidore of Seville, a key figure in the intellectual landscape of the early Middle Ages, particularly through his work, the "Etymologies". It discusses the influence of Isidore’s writings on the preservation and transmission of knowledge during a time when secular learning was often overshadowed by superstition and religious dogma. The opening of the work provides context for Isidore's significance as a bishop and scholar during the culmination of the Dark Ages, detailing the intellectual challenges he faced and his reliance on ancient texts to compile knowledge. Brehaut introduces the concept of the "Etymologies" as Isidore’s major work, a comprehensive encyclopedia summarizing existing knowledge while reflecting the state of learning in his era. The introduction further establishes Isidore’s life amidst the socio-political landscape of Spain, urging the necessity for a deeper understanding of the intellectual struggles and advancements that characterized this pivotal time in European history.
Almon Wheeler Lauber
Indian slavery in colonial times within the present limits of the United States
"Indian slavery in colonial times within the present limits of the United States" by Almon Wheeler Lauber is a historical study written in the early 20th century. It examines the enslavement of Native Americans by Indigenous societies and by Spanish, French, and especially English colonists, outlining how captivity, trade, and law shaped the institution and how it waned. Drawing on scattered archival sources, the work surveys capture methods, labor uses, legal status, treatment, manumission, and the shift toward African slavery. The opening of this study states its aim: to recover the largely overlooked history of Indian slavery and to emphasize English colonial practice while setting it against Indian, Spanish, and French precedents. It outlines how many Native societies practiced forms of servitude—through gambling losses, famine sales, barter, raids, and war—how captives were used (domestic work, agriculture, hunting, fishing, mining), and how treatment ranged from adoption and kinship-based manumission to mutilation and execution, with women and councils often deciding captives’ fate. It then shows Spaniards embedding enslavement in exploration and conquest, using captives as guides, porters, cooks, and concubines; notes episodic kindness amid coercion; describes a largely ineffective royal effort to end the practice; and portrays mission and presidio systems as de facto coerced labor. Finally, it sketches French practice: initially vague legality later recognized, public indifference, and reliance on war captives, kidnapping, trade by coureurs de bois (including sales to English markets), gifts from allied chiefs, and inheritance through enslaved mothers, with slaves serving as guides, interpreters, and domestics.
of Damascus Nicolaus
Nicolaus of Damascus' life of Augustus : $b Translated with a commentary
"Nicolaus of Damascus' Life of Augustus" is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work details the life and achievements of Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, from his childhood and early education to his rise to power after Julius Caesar's assassination. The text provides insights into both his personal development and his political strategies that solidified his authority over the Roman Empire. At the start of the narrative, Nicolaus introduces Octavius (later known as Augustus) as a young and promising figure, admired for his intelligence and noble lineage. He recounts Octavius' upbringing, his close ties to Julius Caesar, and the political turmoil following the latter's assassination. The opening portion establishes a portrait of Octavius as a complex character, navigating his way through risks and challenges, while laying the foundation for his eventual claim to power and authority in the tumultuous landscape of Roman politics.
Thomas Woody
Early Quaker education in Pennsylvania
"Early Quaker Education in Pennsylvania" by Thomas Woody is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work aims to explore the development of educational practices among the Quakers in Pennsylvania prior to 1800, highlighting the challenges and achievements in that sphere. The book dives into the beliefs of key figures within the Quaker community, particularly the founder George Fox, and how their ideals influenced educational practices of the time. At the start of the monograph, the author lays out the foundation of the Quakers, delving into their origins and the role of George Fox in establishing the Society's principles. Woody discusses the evolution of Quaker educational ideals, dispelling common misconceptions regarding their views on learning. He highlights the community's emphasis on moral and practical education, the organization of meetings that facilitated schooling, and the support for inclusive education that benefited both the poor and marginalized groups, including Negroes and Indians. The opening chapters set the stage for a deeper examination of educational institutions and practices established by the Quakers in Pennsylvania.
Lindsay Rogers
The postal power of Congress: A study in constitutional expansion
"The Postal Power of Congress: A Study in Constitutional Expansion" by Lindsay Rogers is a dissertation and constitutional analysis written in the early 20th century. The work examines the legislative and judicial history surrounding the power granted to Congress to establish postoffices and postroads, exploring how this power has expanded over time. Rogers argues that this expansion raises significant constitutional questions and implications regarding federal authority. The opening of the work introduces the historical context of the postal power, referencing key figures and documents, such as "The Federalist", which had a limited view of the significance of this power. Rogers highlights the evolution of postal functions and the consequential legal debates surrounding the boundaries of Congress's authority. He notes the initial establishment of postal services in colonial America, Benjamin Franklin's contributions, and the critical role of Congress in responding to the communication needs of a growing nation. This foundational exploration sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the implications of postal power on federal control and individual rights throughout the book.
Armin Hajman Koller
The Theory of Environment An Outline of the History of the Idea of Milieu, and Its Present Status, part 1
"The Theory of Environment" by Armin Hajman Koller is an academic dissertation written in the early 20th century. This work outlines the historical development of the concept of milieu or environment and examines its current significance within various disciplines. The book delves into the intricate relationship between human societies and their physical, social, and cultural environments, suggesting that our surroundings significantly shape our characteristics and behaviors. The opening of the dissertation provides insights into Koller’s motivations for writing and sets the stage for his exploration of the term "milieu." He begins by defining the word and tracing its origins in scientific literature, noting its evolution from a physical concept to a broader social context. Koller acknowledges the contributions of various scholars to the understanding of milieu, such as Hippocrates and Montesquieu, and hints at a more extensive inquiry into how societies have been influenced by their respective environments throughout history. This initial section establishes a scholarly foundation for Koller’s subsequent examination of how the concept has been interpreted and utilized in modern studies.
Albert Augustus Trever
A History of Greek Economic Thought
"A History of Greek Economic Thought" by Albert Augustus Trever is a scholarly dissertation composed in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution of economic theories as conceptualized by ancient Greek philosophers, placing their ideas within the context of both their time and the present humanitarian economic discourse. The book aims to not just chronicle, but also reinterpret Greek economic thought, connecting ancient ideas with modern economic principles. The opening of the work sets forth the author's intention to fulfill a scholarly gap in the discourse of Greek economic theory. It discusses the existing literature on the subject, noting that previous works often failed to approach the topic from the perspective of a classicist infused with a modern economic view. Trever emphasizes that the Greeks, despite their simpler economic environment, fostered significant ethical and humanistic considerations in their economic theories that resonate with contemporary thought. By establishing a chronological format, he intends to analyze the ideas of prominent Greek thinkers, such as Plato and Aristotle, in relation to the economic conditions of their epoch.
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