William Godwin | An Inquiry Concerning Political Justice, 1793, 2 vols, contemporary tree calf

William Godwin

An Inquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on General Virtue and Happiness. Printed for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1793

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 4to (280 x 212 mm.), half-titles, final errata leaf and directions to the binder at the end of volume 2, contemporary tree calf, spines gilt with red and green morocco labels, yellow edges, browning and spotting (mostly at start and end of textblocks, heaviest on title of volume 2), rebacked retaining original spines

One of the most radical books of the revolutionary years at the end of the 18th century, by the founder of philosophical anarchism. Published just weeks after the execution of Louis XVI, and written in response to Burke's Reflections, Godwin's tract attacks all restraints on the exercise of individual judgement, in the belief that human opinions will become progressively more enlightened with the growth of knowledge. Among Godwin's targets were established religion and marriage, and he believed that government itself would ultimately become unnecessary. 

PROVENANCE:

Panshanger, Hertfordshire, seat of Earls Cowper, armorial bookplate

LITERATURE:

PMM 243; Rothschild 1016; Adams, Radical Literature 40; Goldsmiths' 15825; Kress B2529