RUSSELL, Bertrand (1872-1970)

[Mosher Books] A Free Man's Worship with a Special Preface by Bertrand Russell

Portland, Maine: Thomas Bird Mosher, MDCCCXXIII [1923]. Limited Edition. Hardcover. First Separate Edition, and first appearance of Russell's preface, of this landmark of early twentieth-century European thought. One of 950 copies on Van Gelder handmade paper (50 numbered copies also were issued on Japan vellum). Foolscap 8vo (180 x 96mm): xviii,28,[2]pp. Original threaded blue paper-covered boards, spine lettered in black, upper cover lettered and decorated with leafed stem device with flowers (previously used by Mosher on Michael Angelo Buonarroti His Sonnets) in red and blue, title page in orange and black, edges rough-trimmed; publisher's tan slip case printed in black. An excellent example (spine lightly toned), tightly bound and clean throughout); Very Good or better slip case (spine toned and spotted but fully intact). Bishop 119. Fine. Item #BB2369

Perhaps the philosopher's best known and most reprinted essay, featuring some of the most pessimistic and often quoted lines in the history of twentieth-century philosophy. Published originally in The Independent Review (1 Dec. 1903) and reprinted here from the third chapter of Russell's Mysticism and Logic and other essays (1918), it sets forth Russell's views on the meaning of life, opening with an imaginary conversation about the history of creation between Mephistopheles, the devil, and Dr. Faustus, who sells his soul to the devil in return for power and wealth. There is no objective meaning in life, Russell concludes, but humans must strive nonetheless to create beauty, truth, and perfection. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $214.00