FIRST EDITION OF THE POSTHUMOUS “FIRST AUTHORIZED COLLECTION” OF LOCKE’S CORRESPONDENCE— SOME FAMILIAR LETTERS, 1708
LOCKE, John. Some Familiar Letters Between Mr. Locke, and Several of his Friends. London: A. and J. Churchill, 1708. Octavo, contemporary full brown panelled calf rebacked, raised bands, red morocco spine label.
First edition of this important posthumous collection of Locke’s letters—“of considerable interest to students of the development of Locke’s philosophical works”—scarce in contemporary calf.
“Shortly after Locke’s death, correspondents began publishing Locke’s letters. The first authorized collection was Some Familiar Letters” (Holton, 385). This signal volume contains many that “are of considerable interest to students of the development of Locke’s philosophical works,” and also offers his “interesting comments on Sir Richard Blackmore, Leibnitz, Le Clerc and others.” Letters notably features Locke’s correspondence with William Molyneux and Philippo van Limborch (with whom he communicates in Latin). Molyneux, an important philosopher in his own right, “was not only a friend of Locke but also a helpful critic of his philosophical works” (Pforzheimer, 635). In many ways, Molyneux was “Locke’s most enthusiastic disciple. He sent him many suggestions for improvements in the Essay on Human Understanding and his affection was fully returned by his master.” It was to Molyneux that Locke spoke of the progress of his writing, observing: “He that follows truth impartially seldom pleases any set of men.” While in Holland Locke also came to value the friendship of van Limborch; “They sympathized upon religious questions, and kept up an affectionate correspondence during Locke’s life” (DNB). Mispagination as issued (470 for 370) without loss of text; L3 signed K3. Text in English, Latin and French. Lowndes, 1380. Pforzheimer 611. Yolton 346.
Minor edge-wear to front free endpaper, slight rubbing to boards. A highly desirable near-fine copy.