On Education. Especially in Early Childhood.

RUSSELL, Bertrand.

Published by London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1926

About this Item

First edition, first impression, presentation copy, inscribed by Russell in ink on the front free endpaper "Ottoline Morrell from the author" and with "March 5th 1926" pencilled in a possible secretarial hand. Ottoline Morrell (1873-1938), hostess of the Bloomsbury Group, is known for being among its most unconventional and supportive members. Her affair and friendship with Russell would be one of the defining relationships of the latter's life, the pair having met towards the end of his marriage to his hated first wife Alys. The affair itself was over by 1915, but the pair remained friends for the rest of their lives. On 20 February 1925, Russell confided in Morrell that he was beginning a "book on education" (Selected Letters, p. 250). In 1926, their correspondence ranges across such subjects as the General Strike, the development of Russell's young children, and the determination of Ottoline's daughter to marry Igor Vinogradoff, of whom Morrell deeply disapproved. On this last point, Russell advises Morrell that "after all it is her affair. I think you are right to make her wait till she is of age, but then, if she wants to be foolish, I suppose you will have to let her" (Selected Letters, p. 256). Morrell is credited with helping to open Russell up emotionally, and with helping him to realise that he had a talent for explaining difficult subjects to non-specialist audiences. Russell's ongoing concern with the development of his children helped prompt On Education, which proved a great critical and financial success. Blackwell & Ruja A51. Nicholas Griffin (ed), The Selected Letters of Bertrand Russell: The Public Years, 1914-1970, 2002. Octavo. Publisher's device to title page, leaf of publisher's advertisements at rear. Original blue cloth, spine and front cover lettered and ruled in red. Infrequent pencil sidelining to contents. Minimal bumping and rubbing, slight toning to spine, faint browning and foxing to contents: an excellent copy.

Seller Inventory # 172630

Bibliographic Details

• Title: On Education. Especially in Early Childhood.
• Publisher: London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1926
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)