Statement of the Provision for the Poor, and of the Condition of the Labouring Classes, in a considerable portion of America and Europe.

SENIOR, Nassau William.

Published by London: B. Fellowes, 1835

About this Item

First edition, presentation copy to the radical Whig politician William Pleydell-Bouverie, third earl of Radnor (1779-1869), inscribed on the title page "The Earl of Radnor from the author". Radnor was a supporter of "parliamentary reform, the new poor law, the abolition of slavery, and repeal of the corn laws. [His] advocacy of universal manhood suffrage, the secret ballot, annual parliaments, and disestablishment of the Church of England made him genuinely radical" (ODNB). Senior's work arose from research commissioned by Lord Palmerston in 1833, who enquired into the variations between European and American methods of administering relief and the different classes of paupers. "Senior's general standpoint. was that under the un-reformed system, relief of all types tended to create its own demand by destroying the incentive to energy and providence; that reform must by definition remove this discouragement by making the position of the independent able-bodied pauper; that it must also differentiate as far as possible between those who attempted to provide for old age, sickness etc., and those who did not. To this end the Poor Law must distinguish between poverty and pauperism; between a low standard of living and inability and/or unwillingness to reach even that low standard" (Bowley, Nassau Senior and Classical Economics, p. 296). Einaudi 5251; Goldsmiths' 29196; Kress C.4036. Octavo (210 x 132 mm). Contemporary straight-grain calf, red morocco label, brown endpapers, brown speckled edges. Light rubbing at extremities, minor foxing to contents; a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 150984

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Statement of the Provision for the Poor, and of the Condition of the Labouring Classes, in a considerable portion of America and Europe.
• Publisher: London: B. Fellowes, 1835
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)