DEFOE, Daniel.

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An Essay upon Projects. First edition of Defoe's first book, his earliest major contribution to political and social thought. This tract is scarce in commerce: we trace four auction records over the past 60 years.In the early 17th century, those who advanced proposals to reform state or society were often scorned as self-interested charlatans on the fringes of respectability. The Essay upon Projects reflects the shift in that view by the turn of the 18th century, acknowledging the widespread enthusiasm for schemes of all kinds. By 1697, Defoe had survived one bankruptcy, escaped punishment for supporting the Monmouth Rebellion, and made a series of highly speculative investments in such areas as diving technology. He was therefore sympathetic to the upswing in enthusiasm for projects, and, as an accountant in the civil service of William III, better placed than most to comment on their institutional application. His own proposals range across finance, infrastructure, and social problems: his recommendations for naval recruitment eventually led to an invitation to speak before a parliamentary committee.

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