Grundlinien der Philosophie des Rechts.

8vo (197 x 120 mm). (2), XXVI, 355, (1) pp. Contemporary quarter calf with red leather spine label lettered in gilt, spine gilt ruled. Marbled endpapers. The first edition of Hegel s seminal work on "the sociology of the perfectly organized state" (PMM), best known in English as "Elements of the Philosophy of Right". "It turns away from the apparent chaos of the democratic advocates of individual right in favour of an overwhelming sense that liberty cannot exist apart from order, and that the vital connexion of all parts of the body politic is the source of all good" (ibid.). In spite of the year "1821" on the title page, the book was in fact printed in October 1820; Hegel had feared that censorship would delay publication for several months. - With the additional title ("Naturrecht und Staatswissenschaft im Grundrisse"). Extremities of binding very lightly rubbed. Insignificant even browning throughout; a minor tear in gutter of the half-title (p. 1, "Naturrecht und Staatswissenschaft"). Bookseller s label (Librairie Falk fils, Bruxelles) on front pastedown. A fine copy. - PMM 283. Borst 1361. Goedeke V, 11, 25, 7. Ziegenfu I, 485. Ueberweg IV, 73ff.