Tristan, Flora.

8vo (205 x 132mm.), contemporary half calf over marbled boards, flat spine gilt, some light spotting and foxing, corners very slightly bumped

first edition, first issue, very scarce. This attack on the excesses of capitalism was inspired by four visits to London between 1826 and 1839. Working in domestic service in the city, Flora Tristan (1803-1844) was shocked by the social inequalities and the subjugation of women to be found in the city, which she believed to be the result of unfettered capitalism. She spent much of her life promoting the rights of workers and the status of women and in 1843, shortly before her death, founded the Union ouvrière. She was the grandmother of Paul Gauguin.