PALEY, William.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Works. An attractive set of Paley's complete works. The English period binding is an exquisite example of the contemporary taste for intricate decoration, featuring a combination of fine floral tools in blind and in gilt, and with prominent panelled borders on the covers which were especially popular at the turn of the century.The set comprises a mix of later editions, except for Sermons and Tracts (1808), here a first edition. Natural Theology (1802), considered Paley's "most original and entertaining book" (ibid.), contains his arguments for the existence of God, famously introducing the argument from design and the "watchmaker analogy". The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (first published in 1785), Paley's first work, was a success that promoted the idea of utility in moral philosophy, influenced Jeremy Bentham, and remained an essential text for students of philosophy well into the 19th century. Horae Paulinae (1790) and Evidences of Christianity (1794) "were concerted attempts to prove the credibility of the New Testament as a historical record of revelation" (ODNB). The set also includes Sermons on Several Subjects (1806).

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.