Observations concerning the Distinction of Ranks in Society.
by MILLAR, John
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
London, United Kingdom
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
London: Printed by W. and J. Richardson, for John Murray,, 1771. One of the earliest examples of an empirical approach to sociology First edition of Millar's most important work, "a pioneering attempt at a historical sociology of social authority, taking up, in turn, familial relations, age, work relations, and political and martial leadership" (ODNB). "Of a remarkably liberal tone, Millar's study of social rank covers class distinction, the history and condition of women, primitive society, and the relationship between parent and child, and master and servant" (German, p. 67). The influence of Montesquieu and, particularly, of Hume's The Populousness of Ancient Nations is evident. Millar was a supporter of the American cause and an opponent of slavery; both feature in the final chapter, "Of the condition of servants in different parts of the world". With the armorial bookplate to the front pastedown of George Baillie of Jerviswood (1664-1738), and the signature to the title page of another George Baillie, probably his grandson (1723-1797). The family continued to use the elder Baillie's bookplate despite his death long before the book was published, a fairly common practice. The gilt device of the Golden Fleece used on the spine of the book - and known to be present on a number of volumes from this library - may have been used simply for its symbolic meaning of authority. Quarto (255 x 204 mm). Contemporary calf, red morocco label to spine, Golden Fleece device gilt in compartments. Complete with half-title and terminal advertisement leaf. Joints and extremities neatly restored, contents a little toned and spotted, light stain at head of leaf M4: a very attractive copy. ESTC T100408; Goldsmiths' 10712; Kress 6805; this edition not in Chuo or Jessop. J. S. German, Voices of Scotland: A catalogue of an exhibition of Scottish books and manuscripts from the 15th to the 20th centuries, 1992.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Peter Harrington (GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 167880
- Title
- Observations concerning the Distinction of Ranks in Society.
- Author
- MILLAR, John
- Book Condition
- Used
- Place of Publication
- London: Printed by W. and J. Richardson, for John Murray,
- Date Published
- 1771
Terms of Sale
Peter Harrington
All major credit cards are accepted. Both UK pounds and US dollars (exchange rate to be agreed) accepted. Books may be returned within 14 days of receipt for any reason, please notify first of returned goods.
About the Seller
Peter Harrington
Biblio member since 2006
London
About Peter Harrington
Since its establishment, Peter Harrington has specialised in sourcing, selling and buying the finest quality original first editions, signed, rare and antiquarian books, fine bindings and library sets. Peter Harrington first began selling rare books from the Chelsea Antiques Market on London's King's Road. For the past twenty years the business has been run by Pom Harrington, Peter's son.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Title Page
- A page at the front of a book which may contain the title of the book, any subtitles, the authors, contributors, editors, the...
- Calf
- Calf or calf hide is a common form of leather binding. Calf binding is naturally a light brown but there are ways to treat the...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Bookplate
- Highly sought after by some collectors, a book plate is an inscribed or decorative device that identifies the owner, or former...
- Morocco
- Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
- Device
- Especially for older books, a printer's device refers to an identifying mark, also sometimes called a printer's mark, on the...
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Quarto
- The term quarto is used to describe a page or book size. A printed sheet is made with four pages of text on each side, and the...