More, Sir Thomas, Sir, Saint. (Thomas More)

The common-Wealth of Utopia: containing a learned and pleasant discourse of the best state of a publike weale, as it is found in the government of the new ile called Utopia / written by the right Honourable, Sir Thomas Moore, Lord Chancellour of England.

      Printed by B. Alsop & T. Fawcett, and are to be sold by Will Sheares at his shop in Bedford-street in Coven-garden neere the New Exchange. 1639., London: - Printing errors in page numbers (exactly as noted by COPAC): pages 46-47, 53, 117, 128, 133, 136, 205 and 262 incorrectly numbered 44-45, 25, 116, 130, 109, 112, 181 and 226. Text is complete even though pages are mis-numbered. Despite modern connotations of the word "utopia," it is widely accepted that the society More describes in this work was not actually his own "perfect society." Rather he wished to use the contrast between the imaginary land's unusual political ideas and the chaotic politics of his own day as a platform from which to discuss social issues in Europe. Original spine has been rebacked and one of the leather boards has been replaced. (with a leather board) The front board has many pieces chipped off the cover, but is still attractive. Book has 2 stamps of "InnerTemple" on the engraved title page and one small round stamp of "inner Temple on second title page and on Leaf A. The spine also has gilt stamp of same. Front edge of engraved title page is lightly frayed with some small tears and missing a small margin piece, not affection any of the text, Pages are age-toned, but generally clean and very good. RARE, Added , engraved title page; engraved by W. Marshall. Title and text printed with borders. (4) 305 pages. Was bound in full leather with four raised spine bands and gilt spine title. Front board is missing. This binding appears to be a later one, probably mid 18th century. [Attributes: Hard Cover]