Owen, Robert

8vo, part 3: title and 15pp. preliminaries, 53pp.; part 4: title and 8pp. preliminaries, 61pp., both parts interleaved with blank leaves, original prospectus for the first two parts loosely inserted, original drab paper-covered boards, offsetting and browning, covers detached, spine torn and defective, partially disbound, county council library stamps; [together with:] This Day is published, Price One Shilling, Essay First, of A New View of Society...Richard Taylor, [1813], the original prospectus, single sheet

Bolton King, armorial bookplate; Warwickshire County Council Library, label and stamps throughout

PMM 271; Kress B6194; Goldsmith Cat. 20854 (incorrectly calling for 93 pages for part 3)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

FIRST EDITIONS OF PARTS 3 AND 4 OF "THE FIRST PRACTICAL STATEMENT OF SOCIALIST DOCTRINE" (PMM), in which Owen laid down the principles which had guided his 'Lanark Experiment' in which he had immeasurably improved the living and working conditions of the workers at his New Lanark cotton mills. Owen's central thesis was that man's character was made not by him but by circumstances beyond his control and that the formation of upright responsible citizens would result from individuals being placed under proper physical, moral and social influences from the earliest age. The first and second essays had been published by Cadell and Davies in 1813. Owen's theories were an influence on the idealistic industrial ideas of Henry Ford. The prospectus, loosely inserted in this copy, is recorded by COPAC at the British Library and National Library of Scotland only.