Code de la Nature, ou Le V ritable Esprit de ses loix, de tout tems n glig ou m connuÉ

[Morelly].

Published by Par-Tout [i.e., Netherlands]: Chez Le Vrai Sage, 1755., 1755

About this Item

Very little is known about MorellyÑbiographers and bibliographers donÕt even know his first name. He was born at Vitry-le-Fran ois, where he possibly taught. The present work is his most important. It is an early example of socialist thought and has much in common with RousseauÕs early works, though instead of a social contract, Morelly favors a society without any contract at all. Like Rousseau, Morelly considers human nature essentially good, but corruptible by society. He argues for an egalitarian state with no private ownership. His other writings include a Utopian prose epic, Naufrage des iles flottantes ou la Basiliade (1753) and a work on education, Essai sur lÕesprit humain, ou principes naturels de lÕeducation. )1743). Karl Marx was favorably impressed by Morelly. Octavo. 236, [4] pp. Title-page in black and red. Contemporary mottled calf, gilt spine with brown calf label, edges sprinkled brown. Light wear to joints, old name inked out in the bottom margin of the title, causing a hole and some residual ink on the next leaf, not affecting text. Some minor foxing. A good, clean copy. First edition. Kress, 5457 ; Goldsmiths, 9074 ; Einaudi, 4031.

Seller Inventory # 13463

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Code de la Nature, ou Le V ritable Esprit de ses loix, de tout tems n glig ou m connuÉ
• Publisher: Par-Tout [i.e., Netherlands]: Chez Le Vrai Sage, 1755.
• Publication Date: 1755
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included