BENTHAM, Jeremy.

Codification Proposal, addressed ... to all Nations professing liberal opinions.

London, C. and W. Reynell for Robert Heward, 1830. 8vo, pp. [2], 118; modern green calf-backed marbled boards, spine ruled and lettered gilt. Second edition, augmented from the sheets of the first edition of 1822 (which had only 78 pages and included a list of works by Bentham) with a new title-page and two supplements.‘Bentham believed that a system of laws could be so framed and expounded as to be easily understood and readily administered. By this method he hoped to get rid of the legal profession and the “demon of chicane.” His ideal was undoubtedly an extravagant one; for no code can be devised so elastic as to forestall all the difficulties that may hereafter arise from the ever-varying exigencies of society and commerce, nor, indeed, so complete as to embrace the solution of every problem that might result from existing conditions. As he himself said, a single improper word in a body of laws – especially of laws given as constitutional and fundamental ones – may, perchance, prove a national calamity, and civil war may be the consequence of it. Out of one foolish word may start a thousand daggers!’ (Atkinson, p. 200).Chuo C3-2; Everett, p. 539; not in Goldsmiths’ or Kress.

• GBP 750.00 > autres monnaies
• Commande nro.: H540.10

• libraire: Bernard Quaritch Ltd. (GREAT BRITAIN)