"ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOKS IN THE WHOLE HISTORY OF CRIMINOLOGY": BECCARIA'S ESSAY ON CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS, 1770

BECCARIA, Cesare Bonsana, Marchese di. An Essay on Crimes and Punisments [sic]… With a Commentary, by M. de Voltaire. Glasgow: Printed for Robert Urie, 1770. 12mo, contemporary calf, nicely rebacked retaining original red morocco spine label, raised bands. $850.

First Glasgow printing of Beccaria's influential Essay, a work whose impact "can hardly be exaggerated" (PMM).

"With the advent of the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century," demands for reform in criminal justice and the penal system grew. "In this generally favourable climate of opinion there was published one of the most influential books in the whole history of criminology, Crimes and Punishments, issued anonymously in 1764. Its author, only 26 years of age at the time, was Cesare Beccaria, Marchese Beccaria-Bonesana… Having read Montesquieu's Lettres Persanes and being deeply influenced by the rationalist thinkers of his age, Beccaria was appalled at what he saw" in his many visits to prisons and courts. This "short but pregnant book was a result of these experiences and of his reading… The success of Beccaria's book was immediate… Its principles have been incorporated into the criminal practice of all civilized countries… Voltaire was one of Beccaria's most enthusiastic followers—he published a commentary on the book—as were Blackstone, Bentham and John Howard. The impact of An Essay on Crimes and Punishments (Dei Delitti e delle Pene) can hardly be exaggerated" (PMM 209). First published in Italian in 1764, the work was translated into French in 1766 and English in 1767, and was widely read throughout Europe and the United States. With final advertising leaf. ESTC T183082. Goldsmiths'-Kress no. 10685. See Sowerby 2349. Armorial bookplate (appearing twice).

Offsetting to margins of first and last few leaves, contents otherwise fresh and clean; minor wear to boards. A handsome copy of this uncommon early Scottish printing.