A first edition, first printing of A PREFACE TO MORALS signed by the author in a dedication on the first blank page. It is rare to find a signed copy of this book.
Walter Lippmann was an influential journalist and political theorist of the 20th century. A Preface to Morals, his most well-known and influential book, was first published in 1929.
In A Preface to Morals, Lippmann argues that in modern society traditional religious faith has lost its power to function as a source of moral authority. He asserts that ancient religious doctrine is no longer relevant to the conditions of modern life: governments have become increasingly democratized, populations have moved from rural to urban environments, and tradition in general is not suited to the dictates of modernity. Further, the democratic policy of the separation of church and state has created an atmosphere of religious tolerance, which suggests that religious faith is a matter of preference.
A true signed treasure of a leading political theorist and journalist during the first quarter of the 20th century.
DETAILS:
- Hardcover with dust jacket
- Publisher: London and New York, G.P. Putnam and Sons, 1899
- Condition: The book itself seems to have never been read. The binding and boards are in excellent preserved condition. The pages are crisp and clean, save the authors dedication and a previous owner’s bookplate on the inside board. The dust jacket has a few rips — please see images — including a tear which runs the length of the dust jacket’s front cover. It is rare to find a first printing, signed copy of the book with a dust jacket.
