The Life and Morals of Confucius,

An early reprint edition of the first English-language translation of Confucius' Morals.

The Morals of Confucius, originally published in 1691, was the first work in English to introduce readers to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher, who lived during the 'Spring and Autumn' period of the fifth and sixth centuries BC. His teachings grew into a defined ideology that emphasised self-cultivation of virtue, family responsibility, and ethical governance.

The text is translated from Pierre Savouret's French-language La Morale de Confucius published in 1688, itself translated and abridged from the Latin compendiums of Confucius' teachings compiled by the Jesuit missionaries Prospero Intorcetta (1625-1696) and Philippe Couplet (1623-1693), who reached the Qing Empire in the 1650s.

This 1818 printed was edited by one Joseph Tela, perhaps a pseudonym for Joseph Webb (1735-1787), editor of The Philosophical Library.

Reprint, stated 'Second Edition'; 8vo (22.5 x 14 cm); a little toned with occasional minor spotting, opening ff with short tear at head of gutter margin, lower corner of C4 torn but not affecting text; modern green morocco, covers ruled in gilt, spine lettered in gilt, marbled edges, very good; 94pp.