First Edition of Locke's Important Treatise Some Thoughts Concerning Education

[John Locke.] SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION. London: Printed for A. and J. Churchill, 1693. First edition. Full leather, rebacked, with red speckled edges. 8vo; ff. A4 B-R8 S4; [8], 262, [2]pp. Title within double-ruled border. According to Yolton, there were two editions published in 1693, with few distinctions between them. This copy is the true first edition, per Yolton, with slightly skewed ornaments on the title page, A2v with catchword "I my" and spelling "deferr," and Patronnge" spelling on A3v. ESTC R7482; Wing L2762; Yolton 165.

7 x 4 1/2 in.

From the Collection of the late Professor Joel L. Fleishman, founding director of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

One of John Locke's most important works, Some Thoughts Concerning Education was an incredibly influential treatise on education for more than a century. It was published in numerous editions and translated into many different languages. His discourse emphasizes his belief in the importance of education, stating, "The well Educating of their Children is so much the Duty and Concern of Parents, and the Welfare and Prosperity of the Nation so much depends on it, that I would have every one lay it seriously to Heart..." (A3v). Locke had an early understanding of the connection between mind and body, explaining at the very beginning of the treatise that "A Sound Mind in a sound Body, is a short, but full description of a Happy State in this World; He that has these Two, has little more to wish for; and he that wants either of them, is but little better for any thing else." (p. 1). This and his other ideas were important for educational theories and methods developed later, such as those of educator Maria Montessori.

Scuffing to leather boards with edgewear, bumped and rubbed corners, and two small areas of insect damage; endpapers lightly toned with some spotting and browning; title page with handwritten "by Locke"; light scattered foxing and grime; occasional discoloration at gutter with some cracking between pgs. 32 and 33 though still very sturdy; small wormholes mostly at inner and lower margins, a few small damp stains at edges and corners, and the last few leaves with some browning along the edges. Overall a crisp and fresh copy of this well-known seminal treatise; very good.