Description:

Samuel von Pufendorf
Oxford, England, 1703
Samuel von Pufendorf, 1st English Ed. "Of the Law of Nature & Nations"
Book

A fine hardcover copy being an assembled first edition English translation of Samuel von Pufendorf, "Of the Law of Nature and Nations. Eight Books. Written in Latin by the Baron Pufendorf, Counsellor of State to His late Swedish Majesty, and to the present Kind of Prussia, Translated into English, from the best Edition, With a short introduction" (Oxford: "Printed by L. Lichfield, for A. and J. Churchil, R. Sare, H. Bonwick, W Freeman, T. Goodwyn, M. Wotton, J. Waltho, S. Manship, J. Nicholson, R. Parker, B. Tooke," 1703). Sumptuously rebound in quarter binding with marbled boards and gilt lettering on the spine. At least five ownership signatures (and possibly more) are scattered throughout the volume, as "John F. McGauhy" and "John F. McGauhy / San Francisco Cal." and "John F. McGauhy / 120 Sutter St. / San Francisco / Cal." including on the title page, Preface page, Table of Contents page, and on the bottom of the textblock. Expected wear including minor shelf wear and age-toned top textblock. Within is found toning, foxing, isolated pencil margin notes, and a few pressed plant specimens. Else very good to near fine. With irregular pagination. Introduction: 1-27; Book I: 1-73; Book II: 74-164; Book III: 165-239; Book IV: 273-400; Book V: 1-69; Book VI: 71-129; Book VII: 131-231; Book VIII: 143-262. 8.5" x 12.5" x 1.875." Folio.

In this influential volume of political philosophy, von Pufendorf opines on such matters as family hierarchy and legal rights, property and contract law, and the importance of oath-taking. Interesting chapter headings include: Book I, Chapter IX, "Of the Imputation of Moral Actions"; Book II, Chapter III, "Of the Law of Nature in General"; Book VII, Chapter I: "Of the Causes and Motives inducing Men to establish Civil Societies"; and Book VII, Chapter IX, "Of the Duty of Sovereigns."

Samuel von Pufendorf (1632-1694) was a German legal expert and political scientist who advised the Swedish and Prussian royal courts. His work "De Jure Naturae et Gentium Libri Octo" was first published in Latin in Lund, Sweden in 1672. The first edition English translation of "Of the Law of Nature and Nations" was this version, published in 1703; second and third editions were published in 1710 and 1717.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 12.5" x 1.875"
  • Medium: Book

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