Justin Croft Antiquarian Books : BENTHAM, Jeremy. - Papers relative to the codification and public instruction: including the correspondence with the Russian Emperor, and ...

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BENTHAM, Jeremy. Papers relative to the codification and public instruction: including the correspondence with the Russian Emperor, and divers constituted authorities in the American United States; [and including:] Supplement to papers relative to codification and public instruction… London: J. M'Creery, and sold by Payne and Foss, and R. Hunter, (successor to Mr. Johnson), 1817.

2 parts in one vol., 8vo (210 × 126 mm.), pp. [vi], 112; [iv], 171, [1], bound without final leaf of first section (list of the works of Bentham) as is common (see Chuo). Occasional slight spotting. Contemporary straight grain navy calf, rebacked, lettered "Bentham's Works" and "Codification & Public Instruction", marbled edges. A very good copy.

First edition. Bentham's detailed analysis of his proposed replacement of all law with a complete code of laws, which was to be rationalised, with each law accompanied by a justifying set of reasons. The work was specifically designed to be circulated to the governments of Russia and various American states, where Bentham long harboured hopes that he would be invited to draft such a Code.

Chuo P5-1; not in Goldsmiths’/Kress.

£675.00