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Book in the collection

The Uses of the Past

by Herbert J. Muller

Catalogued August 31, 2026

The Work

First published
1952
Original publisher
Oxford University Press

Drew's Copy

Edition
Mentor paperback edition
Printing
Ninth printing, undated
Publisher
The New American Library of World Literature
Published in
New York
Copy published
Undated
Binding
Mass-market paperback
Collection status
On the shelves
Reading status
Unread
Condition
Inherited family copy with heavy cover wear, creasing, tears, edge losses, tape residue, staining, handwritten marks, and age-toned pages
Philosophy of HistoryCivilizationComparative HistoryAncient GreeceAncient RomeIndiaChinaIndustrial RevolutionHistory

Acquisition & Provenance

Acquisition type
Inherited family book
Context
From Drew's grandad's library
Previous owner
Drew's grandad
Provenance
This copy previously belonged to Drew’s grandad. It also bears a Follett used-book stamp, a handwritten name, price markings, and other annotations inside the front cover.

How This Copy Came to the Library

Grandad’s library.

About This Copy

This authorized Mentor softcover edition was published by arrangement with Oxford University Press, which issued the book in England. The copyright page identifies the copy as the ninth printing but gives no printing date. The inside front cover preserves a Follett used-book stamp, handwritten ownership and price markings, and other signs of its earlier circulation.

Memories & Connections

Grandad’s library.

Herbert J. Muller compares the achievements and failures of earlier civilizations, including Greece, Rome, India, China, and industrial Europe, to consider what their histories can teach modern society about freedom, individualism, survival, and the continuing work of civilization.

Drew's Copy
Front cover of Drew's copy of The Uses of the Past
The heavily worn front cover of Drew's inherited Mentor edition of The Uses of the Past.
Back cover of Drew's copy of The Uses of the Past
The worn back cover describes Herbert J. Muller's inquiry into the lessons and meaning of history.
Copyright page of Drew's copy of The Uses of the Past
The copyright page records the 1952 Oxford University Press copyright and identifies this Mentor edition as the ninth printing.