Principles of Prussian Administration, 1913, Author Inscribed

Principles of Prussian Administration by Herman Gerlach James, J.D., Ph.D.
New York: The Macmillan Company, 1913. First edition.

Author’s own presentation copy, inscribed in ink on the front free endpaper: “With Compliments of Herman G. James, March 1913.”

Herman G. James was a noted early 20th-century scholar of public administration and comparative government. This volume is an early American study of the structure and methods of Prussian civil administration, intended to inform debates on reform in the United States. It is a significant work for students of German history, political science, and administrative theory.

The book is bound in the original red cloth with gilt titles to the spine (now dulled). Boards show typical shelfwear and rubbing consistent with age, with fraying to the spine ends and corners. Spine cloth is faded with wear and minor soiling; the gilt lettering on the spine remains partly legible. The binding is sound.

Interior is clean and complete. The inscribed front free endpaper is bright and legible. Pages are lightly toned with age but free of markings, foxing, or tears. Includes preface and full text as issued, with publisher’s imprint on the title verso.

A solid and presentable copy in good condition overall, enhanced by the personal inscription from the author dated 1913.

This is an uncommon signed academic work from the pre-World War I period, of particular interest to collectors of German history, administrative law, or early 20th-century government studies.

Condition Grade: Good.

• Binding: Secure, spine faded, fraying to cloth at spine ends and corners.

• Boards: Red cloth, faded and rubbed.

• Interior: Clean and unmarked except for the signed inscription.

• Inscription: “With Compliments of Herman G. James, March 1913.” in ink on front free endpaper.