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Details
HARRINGTON, James (1611-1677). The Common-Wealth of Oceana. London: J. Streater for Livewell Chapman, 1656. 4° (280 x 178mm). Title in red and black. (Evenly browned throughout, dampstain in the bottom margin of a few leaves.) Contemporary sprinkled calf (base of spine repaired in roan, corners rubbed, some wear). Provenance: underlining in an early hand and shelf-mark on front pastedown.
FIRST EDITION OF HARRINGTON'S MASTERPIECE OF POLITICAL THEORY in which he proposes a new order founded on an equal, popular commonwealth, and characterised by the rule of law and civic virtue. Harrington was 'a pioneer in applying the theories of Machiavelli and of other civic humanists to English political society' and 'an aggressive advocate of "popular government" (or even "democracy") and "equality" at a time when these were virtually synonymous with disorder'. Political obstruction hindered the book's publication, and 'it was the intercession of Cromwell's favourite daughter that eventually made publication possible' (ODNB). Another variant is recorded, 'printed for D. Pakeman'. Pforzheimer 449; Wing H-809.
FIRST EDITION OF HARRINGTON'S MASTERPIECE OF POLITICAL THEORY in which he proposes a new order founded on an equal, popular commonwealth, and characterised by the rule of law and civic virtue. Harrington was 'a pioneer in applying the theories of Machiavelli and of other civic humanists to English political society' and 'an aggressive advocate of "popular government" (or even "democracy") and "equality" at a time when these were virtually synonymous with disorder'. Political obstruction hindered the book's publication, and 'it was the intercession of Cromwell's favourite daughter that eventually made publication possible' (ODNB). Another variant is recorded, 'printed for D. Pakeman'. Pforzheimer 449; Wing H-809.
Sale room notice
The monogram "EP" is blindstamped on the covers