Unto this Last:

Four Essays on the First Principles of Political Economy

by John Ruskin  

Limited edition.  London:  George Allen, and New York:  Longmans, Green, & Co., 1902 

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD condition.

• Vellum over thin board covers have gilt medallion on front cover. 
• Boards show some smudges, staining, rubbing, bowing.  Attachment points for tie closures are visible.  Corners are bumped.  See photos.  
• Spine has gilt text and is a little darkened, with foot end worn.  See photos. 
• Binding is strong.  
• Handmade paper end papers/ pastedowns show little sign of age or wear, apart from some toning.
• Interior is gently age-toned, esp. at deckle edges.  Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• Text block edges have deckle fore and foot edges.  
• PS2024.0125

One of four hundred copies of a handsome edition of John Ruskin's essays on political economy.  These four essays by Ruskin (1819-1900) first appeared in Cornhill Magazine in 1860, and then in book form in 1862. This edition was published posthumously and produced according to all the aesthetic principles espoused by Ruskin and his circle.  It is a small edition of 400 copies, printed on Unbleached Arnold handmade paper, with distinctive black typeface, and ornamented generously with red marginal notes, carved initials, and page frames to open each essay.

In his essays, Ruskin took issue with capitalism as it was practiced in the 19th century and with the economic theories of thinkers such as Ricardo and Adam Smith.  Consciously or not, this book is testament to the value and beauty of craft and honest labor which Ruskin associated with an earlier period.  

Four hundred copies made on handmade paper.  Printed at Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh. 

AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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