Essays.: On the nature and immutability of Truth, in opposition to Sophistry and Scepticism. On Poetry and Music, as they affect the Mind. On Laughter, and Ludicrous Composition. On the Utility of Classical Learning.
by BEATTIE, James
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
London, United Kingdom
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About This Item
Edinburgh: printed for William Creech,, 1776. First edition of this collection by the Scottish Enlightenment figure, opponent of David Hume's scepticism, and poet counted among the earliest Romantics. Each essay in this collection appears here for the first time, except that on truth, which was first published in 1770 is here revised and provided with a six-page preface. This edition is a lavish subscription quarto, whose list of subscribers includes the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, David Garrick, Samuel Johnson, and many others besides. The Essay on the Nature and Immutability of Truth, Beattie's first and most significant philosophical work, boldly proclaims that "common sense is the ultimate judge of truth" (p. 31) and so undermines Humean scepticism about the ultimate foundations of any such truth. Although Hume followed his policy of not engaging in direct disputes with his critics, the polemic annoyed him enough to label Beattie "that bigoted silly fellow" (quoted in Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy). Beattie's two-part Minstrel (1771 & 1774), with its reflections on nature and the character of poetic genius, was to influence Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and William Wordsworth. Provenance: John Stephens (1948-2006), a bibliographer and collector of 18th-century literature, with his book label on the front pastedown. Quarto (264 x 207 mm). Contemporary tree calf, smooth spine ruled, with floral decoration in gilt, and with red morocco label, covers panelled in gilt. Light bumping and wear, cosmetic splits to joints, minor foxing to endpapers and edges, slight offsetting to contents: a very good copy.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Peter Harrington (GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 130839
- Title
- Essays.
- Author
- BEATTIE, James
- Book Condition
- Used
- Place of Publication
- Edinburgh: printed for William Creech,
- Date Published
- 1776
Terms of Sale
Peter Harrington
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About the Seller
Peter Harrington
Biblio member since 2006
London
About Peter Harrington
Since its establishment, Peter Harrington has specialised in sourcing, selling and buying the finest quality original first editions, signed, rare and antiquarian books, fine bindings and library sets. Peter Harrington first began selling rare books from the Chelsea Antiques Market on London's King's Road. For the past twenty years the business has been run by Pom Harrington, Peter's son.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Quarto
- The term quarto is used to describe a page or book size. A printed sheet is made with four pages of text on each side, and the...
- Morocco
- Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Edges
- The collective of the top, fore and bottom edges of the text block of the book, being that part of the edges of the pages of a...
- Calf
- Calf or calf hide is a common form of leather binding. Calf binding is naturally a light brown but there are ways to treat the...
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...