A New View of Society: or, Essays on the Principle of the Formation of the Human Character, and the Application of the Principle to Practice.

London: printed for Cadell and Davies by Richard Taylor and Co. (part I); for Cadell and Davies, and Murray by Richard and Arthur Taylor (part II); printed by Richard and Arthur Taylor … Not Published (parts III & IV),, 1813-14. One of 40 specially bound presentation sets, inscribed "From the Author" First edition, inscribed "From the Author" on the first blank, one of 40 specially bound presentation copies printed on thick paper, with parts III & IV "Not published". Owen had the copies bound for presentation to leading members of the state and church across Europe, seeking to win over influential figures to his ideas (Dolléans, p. 146). A New View of Society is "Owen's first and most important published work, containing the principles upon which he based his educational and social reforms at New Lanark, an account of their application there, and an outline of the means by which his theories might be applied to the nation as a whole" (Goldsmiths' Owen Exhibition). It is considered "the first practical statement of socialist doctrine" (PMM). The first two parts were published in 1813, the latter two printed for private distribution only in 1814. The presentation copies brought together the first edition sheets, printed on thick paper, of the four parts. The work states clearly Owen's view of social development, stressing his egalitarian educational doctrine. At the New Lanark industrial settlement Owen erected a large new building, the 'Institute for the Formation of Character', which was to contain public halls, community rooms and above all schools for the children at work in the factory, and with a nursery school (what Owen called a 'playground'). The educational work at New Lanark for many years excited the admiration of visitors from all over the world. The 'Fourth Essay' of the book contains proposals at national level, including a universal state educational system, a Ministry of Education, colleges for training teachers, a system of state-aided public works, and the gradual abolition of the poor laws. 4 parts bound in 1 vol. octavo (230 x 145 mm). Contemporary dark blue straight-grain morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt to compartments, raised bands, covers with gilt roll and palmette borders, gilt turn-ins, watered pink silk doublures and endpapers, gilt edges. Housed in a dark blue quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. Extremities and boards expertly refurbished with a few tiny abrasions to joints, the contents crisp and clean, a fresh, wide-margined copy. Carpenter XXXIV (1); Foxwell, p. 15; Goldsmiths' 20854; Goldsmiths' Owen Exhibition 29; Harrison, p. 271; Kress B.6195; NLW 2-5; Printing and the Mind of Man 271. Édouard Dolléans, Robert Owen, 1907.