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An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
John Locke, 1690
Details
An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
John Locke, 1690
[LOCKE, John (1632-1704).] An Essay concerning Humane Understanding. London: Eliz[abeth] Holt for Thomas Basset, 1690.
Fine copy of the first edition, first issue of Locke's Essay, "the book of its generation" (Pforzheimer). With type ornament on the title composed of thirty pieces, and Elizabeth Holt’s name in the imprint. The 29 leaves of emendations, printed in 1694 when the second edition was published, are not bound in. Although begun as early as 1671, Locke's masterpiece of empirical philosophy was brought to completion finally during his exile in Holland (January 1684-February 1688). By the end of 1686 it already existed in something close to its final form, and printed copies were in circulation in advance of the official publication date of 1690. Although there was no name on the title-page, modesty did not prevent Locke from signing the ‘fulsome dedication’ to Thomas Earl of Pembroke. As ODNB notes, he was seen to give "a plain unmetaphysical account of the workings of the human mind that could serve as a complement to Newton's account of the physical universe." The epistemological doctrines of the Essay were in fact subject to acute criticism by other philosophers from Berkeley onwards, yet this did little to shake their acceptability to the educated public and their tremendous influence on Britain, France and, crucially, in America at its founding. Grolier English 36; Pforzheimer 599; PMM 164; Wing L-2738.
Folio (314 x 192mm). With the 11 contents leaves at end (small wormhole in gutter up to quire F, A2 creased, D4 with two tears to margin, one repaired, a few other marginal tears, Oo1 with burn hole causing loss to a few letters on verso, some contents leaves folded at lower corners.) Contemporary calf, border of double blind fillets and roll-tool along single side, spine with raised bands, gilt board edges, red speckled paper edges (joints starting, some scuff marks, neat edge repairs).
John Locke, 1690
[LOCKE, John (1632-1704).] An Essay concerning Humane Understanding. London: Eliz[abeth] Holt for Thomas Basset, 1690.
Fine copy of the first edition, first issue of Locke's Essay, "the book of its generation" (Pforzheimer). With type ornament on the title composed of thirty pieces, and Elizabeth Holt’s name in the imprint. The 29 leaves of emendations, printed in 1694 when the second edition was published, are not bound in. Although begun as early as 1671, Locke's masterpiece of empirical philosophy was brought to completion finally during his exile in Holland (January 1684-February 1688). By the end of 1686 it already existed in something close to its final form, and printed copies were in circulation in advance of the official publication date of 1690. Although there was no name on the title-page, modesty did not prevent Locke from signing the ‘fulsome dedication’ to Thomas Earl of Pembroke. As ODNB notes, he was seen to give "a plain unmetaphysical account of the workings of the human mind that could serve as a complement to Newton's account of the physical universe." The epistemological doctrines of the Essay were in fact subject to acute criticism by other philosophers from Berkeley onwards, yet this did little to shake their acceptability to the educated public and their tremendous influence on Britain, France and, crucially, in America at its founding. Grolier English 36; Pforzheimer 599; PMM 164; Wing L-2738.
Folio (314 x 192mm). With the 11 contents leaves at end (small wormhole in gutter up to quire F, A2 creased, D4 with two tears to margin, one repaired, a few other marginal tears, Oo1 with burn hole causing loss to a few letters on verso, some contents leaves folded at lower corners.) Contemporary calf, border of double blind fillets and roll-tool along single side, spine with raised bands, gilt board edges, red speckled paper edges (joints starting, some scuff marks, neat edge repairs).
Provenance
A few corrections in a contemporary hand – W. Peppercorn 1790 (inscription on title and front blank; another signature cut away from top corner of blank) – [with Bernard Quaritch (collation note)] – Lord Kennet of the Dene (bookplate, some bibliographic notes) – the Late Lady Kennet (sold, Christie's, 15 July 2015, lot 176) – acquired at that auction by the current owner.
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