Details
WOLLSTONECRAFT, MARY. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. London: J. Johnson 1792. Vol. 1 (all published), 8vo, 214 x 130 mm. (8 7/16 x 5 1/8 in.), contemporary half calf, smooth spine gilt, rubbed, hinges tender, repair to corner of O4. FIRST EDITION.
In her dedication to Talleyrand, Wollstonecraft described the purpose of her book as the furtherance of the aims of the Enlightenment: "my main argument is built on this simple principle, that if [woman] be not prepared by education to become the companion of man, she will stop the progress of knowledge, for truth must be common to all, or it will be inefficacious with respect to its influence on general practice" (p. vii); and indeed, the book's principal object was to demonstrate the right of women to the same education as men, and the benefits that would thus accrue to society. PMM 242.
In her dedication to Talleyrand, Wollstonecraft described the purpose of her book as the furtherance of the aims of the Enlightenment: "my main argument is built on this simple principle, that if [woman] be not prepared by education to become the companion of man, she will stop the progress of knowledge, for truth must be common to all, or it will be inefficacious with respect to its influence on general practice" (p. vii); and indeed, the book's principal object was to demonstrate the right of women to the same education as men, and the benefits that would thus accrue to society. PMM 242.