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Details
GODWIN, William (1756-1856). An Enquiring Concerning Political Justice. London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1793.
First edition of one of history’s greatest defences of rationality. ‘It was one of the earliest, the clearest, and most absolute theoretical expositions of socialist and anarchist doctrine. Godwin believed that the motives of all human action were subject to reason, that reason taught benevolence, and that therefore all rational creatures could live in harmony without laws and institutions’ (PMM). The Enquiry expresses Godwin's ‘passionate advocacy of individualism, his trust in the fundamental goodness of man, and his opposition to all restrictions on liberty’. Goldsmiths 15825; Kress B2529; PMM 243; Rothschild 1016.
2 volumes, quarto (263 x 205mm). Half-titles, with ‘errata’ and ‘directions to the binder’ leaf (occasional marginal waterstaining). Contemporary polished calf (expertly rebacked to style, extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance: gift inscription dated 1937 on endpapers — Michael Sharpe (label).
First edition of one of history’s greatest defences of rationality. ‘It was one of the earliest, the clearest, and most absolute theoretical expositions of socialist and anarchist doctrine. Godwin believed that the motives of all human action were subject to reason, that reason taught benevolence, and that therefore all rational creatures could live in harmony without laws and institutions’ (PMM). The Enquiry expresses Godwin's ‘passionate advocacy of individualism, his trust in the fundamental goodness of man, and his opposition to all restrictions on liberty’. Goldsmiths 15825; Kress B2529; PMM 243; Rothschild 1016.
2 volumes, quarto (263 x 205mm). Half-titles, with ‘errata’ and ‘directions to the binder’ leaf (occasional marginal waterstaining). Contemporary polished calf (expertly rebacked to style, extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance: gift inscription dated 1937 on endpapers — Michael Sharpe (label).
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