The Elements of the Art of Packing,

The first edition of Bentham's (1748-1832) critique of English libel law. The work was originally printed in 1810, but its publication was delayed until 1821 on account of Samuel Romilly's warning that Bentham might incur prosecution under the very law he here condemns.

As the advertisement following the title explains: 'In regard to the Author, all that need be said is— that it was not by him that it was then kept back; and that it is not by him, or at his insistence, that it is now out forth. If, on either accounts, it were desirable that the causes of its being thus long withheld should be brought to view, those causes would afford a striking illustration of the baneful influence of the principles and practices it is employed in unveiling, and presenting in their true colours'.

First published edition; 8vo (23 x 14.5 cm); 2pp ads to rear, near-contemporary ownership inscription to title-page, occasional light spotting; publisher's blue paper covered boards, neatly rebacked, preserving original paper label, uncut edges, corners bumped with slight loss, a little soiled, overall a very good example with wide margins; [4], vii, [1], 269, [3]pp.

Chuo E1.2