“ONE OF THE GREATEST AND MOST UNBIASED HISTORIANS”

LECKY, William Edward Hartpole. Democracy and Liberty. London: Longmans, Green, 1896. Two volumes. Octavo, modern three-quarter russet morocco, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt. $850.

First edition of this comparative examination of modern democracies, including an important section on women's suffrage, handsomely bound by Bayntun.

"One of the greatest and most unbiased historians," the Irish historian and philosopher here considers the tendencies of modern democracies, especially those of France, England, and America (Magnusson, 873). Arguably the most important section of the work concerns women's suffrage. "Lecky felt that the privilege of suffrage rightly varied according to the special characteristics and circumstances of nations. That there is no certain and specific 'natural right' of suffrage was said to be illustrated in the American experience… Lecky was particularly concerned with the effect of universal suffrage bestowed on the basis of posited abstract "rights" rather than on characteristics which defined the solid, trustworthy, educated, working citizenry" (Foundation for Economic Education). Owner blindstamps.

Interiors generally fine, only light rubbing and toning to extremities. A very nearly fine copy.