The state is one of the most important concepts in explaining the shape of modern life. It is also a concept surrounded with dispute. What exactly is the state? How important is it in influencing personal conduct? Does it act impartially? What changes has it undergone? What are the varieties of state organization? These three volumes, edited by John Hall, one of the world's most respected commentators on the subject, provide scholars and students with a reliable and comprehensive guide to these questions. The volumes will be essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the state.

This book examines the key institutional structures and processes of modernity. Combining historical insight with sustained political and social analysis, Hall analyses the form and character of capitalism, war, late development, civil society and the the causes and collapse of socialism and addesses the revival of nationalism and the possibilities of democratization.

First published in 1883, this volume is filled with wise and bold words spoken in the face of death by dozens of the leading evangelical ministers of the 19th century, including Charles H. Spurgeon, John Newton, William Jay, Gardiner Spring, W.B. Sprague, Wm. S. Plumer, William Taylor, D.L. Moody, J.R. Macduff, Horatius Bonar, Andrew Bonar, Charles Hodge, Thomas Binney, John Hall, John Todd, Francis Wayland, Theo. Cuyler, Thomas Guthrie, Canon H.P. Liddon, Alexander Dickson and many more. Volume is divided into the following categories: DEATH IN CHILDHOOD DEATH OF A YOUTH DEATH IN MIDDLE AGE...