The Political Economy of Art, John Ruskin — 1st Edition

£120.00

The Political Economy of Art, John Ruskin — 1st Edition

Name: The Political Economy of Art, John Ruskin — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 3431-RM-VG-
Price: 120.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Smith, Elder, and Co., 1857

Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, 248.

Condition Report: Very Good. This copy remains remarkably well-preserved for a mid-nineteenth-century volume issued in the publisher's limp printed cloth; a notoriously fragile binding style. The structure remains firm, tight, and entirely square, avoiding the typical fatigue of the era, and is notably free from any tears to the binding or pages. The printed boards exhibit light, generalised surface soiling and minor rubbing to the extremities, alongside some expected age-toning to the spine, yet the printed typography and decorative borders remain fully legible and unrubbed. Internally, the hinges are sound, and the text block is pleasingly crisp and bright, showing only very occasional and minor localised spotting. A contemporary ownership inscription in ink is present to the upper margin of the title page. Overall, an honest, unrestored, and highly presentable survival that comfortably justifies its grade.

Catalogue Note: First edition, issued as part of the publisher's 'New Cheap Series of Original and Standard Works.' While many volumes from this period were subsequently rebound in half-leather or full calf by later owners, this copy retains its original, unadulterated limp printed cloth binding, rendering it an appealing example for the collector of Ruskin's original states.

The upper margin of the title page bears an attractive, late-nineteenth-century presentation inscription in ink: "Alice Radcliffe bought from A. Heslop for presentation to T. H. Radcliffe May. 1885." Copies surviving in their original casing without significant loss, repair, or restoration are distinctly uncommon on the open market.

Originally delivered as a pair of lectures during the 1857 Art Treasures Exhibition in Manchester, The Political Economy of Art (later reprinted as A Joy for Ever) marks a crucial turning point in John Ruskin's intellectual trajectory. In this work, the great Victorian polymath shifts his focus from pure aesthetic criticism toward a radical critique of nineteenth-century industrial capitalism. Speaking in the very birthplace of utilitarian economics, Ruskin vehemently opposed the laissez-faire principles of supply and demand, arguing instead that the true wealth of a nation lies in the ethical treatment of its workers, the moral responsibility of the state, and the public patronage of the arts. His passionate plea for a society that values human dignity and creative fulfilment over mechanical mass production fundamentally laid the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts movement and deeply influenced early socialist thought in Britain.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Ruskin

Book Publisher: Smith, Elder & Co.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Antiquarian Pre 19th Century

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 248

Book Publication Year: 1857

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.