A Reply to the Essay on Population, by the Rev. T. R. Malthus. In a series of letters. To which are added, Extracts from the Essay; with notes.

HAZLITT, William.

Published by London: for Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807

About this Item

First edition of Hazlitt's violent attack on Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population, one of the most important responses, but "responsible for much subsequent misunderstanding not only of Malthus, but of his reputation" (James, p. 349). Hazlitt argued that Malthus's theories turned "selfishness into a regular code" (p. 5) and further increased the coldness and apathy with which society treats the poor. The book comprises five letters (the first three of which originally appeared in Cobbett's Weekly Political Register), together with a series of extracts from Malthus's Essay, with a commentary, and notes. Hazlitt's attacks were directed specifically against the first edition of the Essay, though he admitted that Malthus had modified his views considerably in the second edition. Goldsmiths' 19371; Keynes, Bibliography of William Hazlitt, 4 ("very uncommon"); Kress B.5198. Patricia James, Population Malthus, 2013. Octavo (209 x 128 mm). Recent boards to style, printed paper label. Minor rubbing to binding, tiny chip affecting a couple letters to B4 and M7, another to E1 and L1 not affecting text; a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 159378

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Reply to the Essay on Population, by the Rev. T. R. Malthus. In a series of letters. To which are added, Extracts from the Essay; with notes.
• Publisher: London: for Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807
• Edition: 1st Edition