GODWIN, William (1756-1836). An Enquiry concerning Political Justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness . London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson 1793.
GODWIN, William (1756-1836). An Enquiry concerning Political Justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness . London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson 1793. 4 o (273 x 217 mm). Half-titles. (Preliminaries and endleaves lightly spotted.) Contemporary English calf gilt, smooth spines gilt, red morocco lettering-pieces (joints restored, some drying and rubbing). Provenance : Marquis of Donegall (bookplate); Lord Braybrooke (bookplate). FIRST EDITION. Godwin began writing Political Justice in the second half of 1790, before the first phase of the French Revolution had drawn to its end, and put down his pen on 29 January 1793, when Louis XVI had been tried and executed. Pitt's remark that "a three guinea book could never do much harm amongst those who had not three shillings to spare," was first reported by Mary Shelley, but in fact the first edition sold for /P1-16s-0d. "I had a numerous audience of all classes, of every age, and of either sex," Godwin recalled, and despite the oblivion into which he later fell, it is fair to describe his book as the philosophical touchstone to anyone dreaming of the renovation of society in the 1790's. The principles of politics and not the rights of man were his theme. But, in attempting to discover which form of government was most conducive to human progress and the attainment of political justice, Godwin reached the radical conclusion that even his preferred form of government, representative democracy, was a form of tyranny or "usurpation upon the private judgment and individual conscience of mankind." PMM 243; Rothschild 1016. (2)
GODWIN, William (1756-1836). An Enquiry concerning Political Justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness . London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson 1793.
GODWIN, William (1756-1836). An Enquiry concerning Political Justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness . London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson 1793. 4 o (273 x 217 mm). Half-titles. (Preliminaries and endleaves lightly spotted.) Contemporary English calf gilt, smooth spines gilt, red morocco lettering-pieces (joints restored, some drying and rubbing). Provenance : Marquis of Donegall (bookplate); Lord Braybrooke (bookplate). FIRST EDITION. Godwin began writing Political Justice in the second half of 1790, before the first phase of the French Revolution had drawn to its end, and put down his pen on 29 January 1793, when Louis XVI had been tried and executed. Pitt's remark that "a three guinea book could never do much harm amongst those who had not three shillings to spare," was first reported by Mary Shelley, but in fact the first edition sold for /P1-16s-0d. "I had a numerous audience of all classes, of every age, and of either sex," Godwin recalled, and despite the oblivion into which he later fell, it is fair to describe his book as the philosophical touchstone to anyone dreaming of the renovation of society in the 1790's. The principles of politics and not the rights of man were his theme. But, in attempting to discover which form of government was most conducive to human progress and the attainment of political justice, Godwin reached the radical conclusion that even his preferred form of government, representative democracy, was a form of tyranny or "usurpation upon the private judgment and individual conscience of mankind." PMM 243; Rothschild 1016. (2)
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
