Power.

First edition, first printing of Bertrand Russell's Power.

Russell's main contention, as he states in the opening chapter, is that 'of the infinite desires of man, the chief are the desires for power and glory'. Paying heed to the fascist dictatorships of Germany and Italy, Russell offers historical illustrations to argue that the drive for power, rather than economic interest as Marx contended, is the primary force shaping human societies and institutions.

In his review of the book, George Orwell wrote that Russell 'has an essentially decent intellect, a kind of intellectual chivalry which is far rarer than mere cleverness' (Adelphi, 1939).

First edition, first printing; 8vo; contemporary ownership inscription to front free endpaper, additional blindstamp to title-page, some foxing to margins; publisher's navy cloth, spine lettered in gilt and lightly faded, top edge stained blue, others spotted, lacking dust jacket; 328pp.