Chrestomathia. Being a Collection of Papers, explanatory of the Design of an Institution, Proposed to be set on foot, under the name of The Chrestomathic Day School, for the extension of the new system of instruction to the higher branches of learning, for the use of the middling and higher ranks in life; [together with] Chrestomathia Part II. Containing Appendix, No. V. Being an essay on Nomenclature and Classification.

BENTHAM, Jeremy.

Published by London: Printed for Messrs. Payne and Foss, and R. Hunter, by J. M'Creery, 1816-17

About this Item

First public edition, a re-issue of the original sheets of the privately-issued part I with a cancel title page, with the first edition of part II, together forming Bentham's main work on education, outlining a secondary school curriculum influenced by Bentham's linguistic theory and philosophy. "In 1814 Bentham became interested in a scheme, sponsored by Francis Place, James Mill, and others, to extend the Lancastrian scheme of instruction to Higher Education. He not only offered his garden as a site for the school, but characteristically sat down at once to write a 'puff' for it. But Place and Mill, knowing full well that Bentham, if left to his own devices, would end in 'writing a good-sized pamphlet if not a volume', got in first with a short prospectus of twelve pages. Bentham therefore devoted himself to a commentary on the prospectus and, when subscriptions hung fire, seems, to judge from an advertisement in the book, to have agreed to publish what he had ready. Accordingly in 1815 there appeared without his name on the title page Chrestomathia. This consisted of two elaborate Instruction Tables on the advantages and principles of the system with notes and four appendices that were ready out of a projected ten. The next year (1816) the volume appeared [as here] with a cancel title now acknowledging Bentham's authorship, and in the following year [sic] he published the fifth appendix - at least twice as long as the original volume!" (Muirhead). The title to part II is found dated both 1816 and 1817, here the latter. Chuo C1.2; Everett, p. 528; Goldsmiths' 21357; Muirhead, pp. 19-21. 2 parts in 1 vol., octavo (214 x 129 mm). With 5 large folding tables. Contemporary calf, with early reback and gilt supralibros of Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow to covers. Tips a little worn, contents a little browned and spotted, closed tear to last leaf of part I affecting a few words without loss. A very good copy. Seller Inventory # 157155

Bibliographic Details

Title: Chrestomathia. Being a Collection of Papers,...

Publisher: London: Printed for Messrs. Payne and Foss, and R. Hunter, by J. M'Creery, 1816-17