Essai sur lÕesprit humain, ou principes naturels de lÕeducation.

Morelly.

Published by Paris: C.J.B. Delespine, 1743.

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. In this, his rare first book, Morelly, influenced by the ideals of Locke, offers moral instruction and guidance for the upbringing and education of the young. MorellyÕs major work is Code de la nature, ou le v ritable Esprit des ses lois, de tout temps n glig ou m connu (1755), which was for a long time attributed to Diderot, even by Babeuf, who during the French Revolution tried to implement the code in the Conspiracy of Equals. In this later work, Morelly expressed more of his views on education, notably his belief that children should be taken from their parents to be educated early. Morelly was a radical in a radical time; the Encyclopedia of Philosophy mentions his ideas in the article on Òcommunism.Ó Twelvemo. [xxvi], 369. [1, imprimatur] pp. Quarter late nineteenth-century cloth over speckled boards, gilt spine, new endpapers. Title-page and last two leaves a bit browned, a little light marginal dampstaining at fore-edge. Still, a very good copy overall. Rare first edition of this early treatise on education, clearly influenced by Locke, from whom the author quotes from extensively (See pp. 266-271; 285-88). OCLC locates only six copies. Seller Inventory # 12770

Bibliographic Details

Title: Essai sur lÕesprit humain, ou principes ...

Publisher: Paris: C.J.B. Delespine, 1743.

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: 1st Edition