Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, And his Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown. The Latter, is an Essay Concerning the True Original, Extent, and End of Civil Government.

LOCKE, John.

Item Number: 122873

London: Printed for A. Bettesworth, 1728.

Rare fifth printing of Locke’s famed treatises on government. Octavo, bound in full contemporary paneled calf with blind ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, red morocco spine label and publication year lettered in gilt. In near fine condition. Rebacked. Desirable bound in contemporary calf.

Locke's Two Treatises of Government were first published anonymously in December 1689. Locke was unhappy with this edition, complaining to the publisher about its many errors. For the rest of his life, he was intent on republishing the Two Treatises in a form that better reflected his meaning. The First Treatise of the volume attacks patriarchalism in the form of sentence-by-sentence refutation of Robert Filmer's Patriarcha, while the Second Treatise outlines Locke's ideas for a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory.