Pp. 219, 11 (index). Full panelled calf, minor rubbing on joints. Early library mark at base of spine. Minor wear but holding well. Good wide margins. A good clean copy in original binding.
Description
The Religion of Nature Delineated. William Wollaston (1659-1724), teacher, priest and enlightenment philosopher, is remembered mainly for this book, first published privately in 1722. It went through many editions through to 1759, and though prefiguring later deist thought in its attempt to explain a natural religion without revelation, Wollaston was somewhat scorned by the likes of Hume, Bentham and Franklin. The work is seen as a major contributor to late enlightenment thought on ethics that do not rely on religion, and the pursuit of happiness. Benjamin Franklin worked as a compositor on the 2nd trade edition.
