Elementi di Scienza Politica (Classic Reprint) - Italian Edition

In this review of Elementi di Scienza Politica (Classic Reprint) the reviewer finds a concise, historically grounded edition that suits readers seeking primary texts in Italian political theory. The volume pairs the second edition of Mosca's Elementi di Scienza Politica with a completely new second part written later, making it valuable for scholars who want both the original late 19th century presentation and subsequent reflections. Its chief reason to buy is the opportunity to read Mosca in Italian with the two-part structure preserved, offering context and continuity for students and historians alike.

Key Features

• Two-part structure: The book contains the second edition of Elementi di Scienza Politica plus a completely new second part, giving readers a broader view of Mosca's development.
• Original language: Presented in Italian, the edition preserves the author's voice and terminology important for careful study of political concepts.
• Historical context: The text reflects the state of political science at the end of the 19th century, useful for researchers tracing intellectual history.
• Compact presentation: The reprint brings together material that first appeared in 1895 and later additions, making primary sources accessible in one volume.
• Scholarly utility: Useful as a reference for courses in political science, history, and theory where original-language sources are preferred.

Who It's For

This edition is best for students, academics, and historians who read Italian and need access to Gaetano Mosca's writing as it appeared in the second edition and the later supplemental part. It works well as a primary source for seminars on Italian political thought, comparative political theory, or the development of political science as a discipline.

Readers who want a modern annotated translation, extensive commentary, or a pedagogical textbook with exercises should look elsewhere, since this reprint focuses on the original material and its continuity rather than teaching aids or updated explanatory notes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Preserves Mosca's original Italian text, which benefits close reading and research.
• Includes both the second edition and a newly written second part, offering historical continuity.
• Serves as a compact, single-volume source for scholars needing primary materials.

Cons

• Not a modern annotated edition, so readers seeking extensive commentary may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Elementi di Scienza Politica (Classic Reprint)
Edition	Classic reprint including second edition and new second part
Language	Italian
Author	Gaetano Mosca
Content scope	Second edition material (1895) plus additional new section
Intended use	Scholarly reference and primary-source study

Our Verdict

Elementi di Scienza Politica (Classic Reprint) is a valuable reprint for scholars and advanced students who need Mosca's original Italian text and the continuity between editions. It offers good value as a compact primary source, though researchers seeking modern editorial apparatus or pedagogical features should supplement it with annotated materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this edition in Italian?
Yes, the reprint presents the work in Italian, preserving Mosca's original language and phrasing.

Does the book include the original 1895 text?
Yes, it contains the second edition material first published at the end of 1895 alongside a newly written second part.

Is there modern commentary or notes included?
The volume focuses on the original texts and the new part by the author; it is not primarily an annotated or heavily commented edition.