Thomas Erskine May

This history traces the development of democracy in Europe from its origins in ancient Greece up to the present day. Considers all the major watersheds in the development of democracy in modern Europe. Describes the rediscovery of Ancient Greek political ideals by intellectuals at the end of the eighteenth century. Examines the twenty-year crisis from 1789 to 1815, when the repercussions of revolution in France were felt across the European continent. Explains how events in France led to the explosion of democratic movements between 1830 and 1848. Compares the different manifestations of democracy within Eastern and Western Europe during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Considers fascism and its consequences for democracy in Europe during the twentieth century. Demonstrates how in the recent past democracy itself has become the object of ideological battles.

Maitland begins The Constitutional History of England at the time of the death of Edward I and completes his review with the early twentieth century. Although he sees England as sovereign, he discusses the impact Rome, Ireland, and Scotland have had on the British constitution. All the while he tells of the development of the charter in terms of its major elements: feudalism, taxation, and the role between citizens, nobility, and state. This thorough set of lectures is analytical in nature and results in a clear progression of politics.