A CORNERSTONE IN THE HISTORY OF DEMOCRACY
On Liberty
John W. Parker and Son, 1859.
First edition. 8vo. Original publisher's brown cloth with gilt titles to the spine and blind ruled borders to the covers. A very good copy indeed, with some fading to the spine, part of the rear cover faded as usual, and a little wear to the head of the spine. Ownership inscription to the reverse of the front endpaper and annotation to the head of the dedication leaf, otherwise generally fresh with just a little loosening between sections. Hinges in perfect condition. Tipped in to the front endpaper is a contemporary review in The Spectator. An exceptionally well preserved copy which is very seldom encountered without repair.
Mill's most significant work on the importance of freedom of speech, upon which much of his lasting influence rests. It was described on publication as "one of those remarkable works whose appearance forms an event in literature, as its perusal constitutes an epoch in the reader's mind." (The Spectator, Feb 1859)
"Many of Mill's ideas are now the commonplaces of democracy. His arguments for freedom of every kind of thought and speech have never been improved on. He was the first to recognize the tendency of a democratically elected majority to tyrannize over a minority" (PMM).
PMM 345
Stock ID: 37187
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