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The Oceana and Other Works of James Harrington, with an Account of His Life by John Toland. London, Printed for T. Becket, and T. Cadell, in the Strand; and T. Evans, in King Street, Covent Garden, 1771, finely restored with modern binding - tan leather spine & marbled boards, 598 pp, 11.75 x 9", 4to. In good condition. Modern binding presents very well - orange marbling and gilt lettering bright and clean. Front board slightly bent/curved. Water dampness stain exhibited on bottom edge of text-block. Light toning throughout text-block, with some instances of small age-staining and finger-soiling. Three plates in excellent condition, with light off-setting to recto. No known previous ownership or marginalia. Modern binding tight and intact. Please see photos. James Harrington (1611-1677) was an English political theorist of classical republicanism. He is best known for his controversial publication The Commonwealth of Oceana (originally published in 1656). Oceana is an exposition of an ideal constitution, a utopia, designed to facilitate the development of the English republic established after the regicide - the execution of Charles I in 1649. By order of England's then Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, the work was seized when passing through the press. Harrington, however, managed to secure the favor of Cromwell's favorite daughter, Elizabeth Claypole. The work was then restored to Harrington, and appeared to the public in 1656, newly dedicated to Cromwell himself. The views embodied in Oceana, particularly those bearing on vote by ballot and rotation of magistrates and legislatures, Harrington & others attempted to push practically, but with little success. A beautifully bound later edition of Oceana - with a biography on Harrington by John Toland (1670-1722). Presents very well. Gift quality. Seller Inventory # RAREB1771FORB
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