Works.: [The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy; Horae Paulinae; Evidences of Christianity; Natural Theology; Sermons on Several Subjects; Sermons and Tracts.]

London: Faulder and Son,, 1805-1810. A handsome Regency binding An attractive set of Paley's complete works. The English period binding is an exquisite example of the contemporary taste for intricate decoration, featuring a combination of fine floral tools in blind and in gilt, and with prominent panelled borders on the covers which were especially popular at the turn of the century. The set comprises a mix of later editions, except for Sermons and Tracts (1808), here a first edition. Natural Theology (1802), considered Paley's "most original and entertaining book" (ibid.), contains his arguments for the existence of God, famously introducing the argument from design and the "watchmaker analogy". The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (first published in 1785), Paley's first work, was a success that promoted the idea of utility in moral philosophy, influenced Jeremy Bentham, and remained an essential text for students of philosophy well into the 19th century. Horae Paulinae (1790) and Evidences of Christianity (1794) "were concerted attempts to prove the credibility of the New Testament as a historical record of revelation" (ODNB). The set also includes Sermons on Several Subjects (1806). Eight volumes, octavo (227 x 143 mm). Contemporary dark blue straight-grain morocco, spines with raised bands, elaborate gilt and blind decoration in compartments and on covers, board edges and turn-ins tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers, edges gilt, blue silk bookmarkers. Evidences, Natural Theology, Principles, and Sermons on Several Subjects bound with half-title. Spines slightly faded, extremities skilfully retouched, occasional light foxing, contents otherwise clean. A well-margined and handsomely bound set.