History of the Commonwealth of England Complete in Four Volumes 1828 William Godwin Cromwell English Civil War Political Philosophy

William Godwin

Edité par Printed for Henry Colburn New Burlington Street, London, 1828

A propos de cet article

Complete in four volumes. Octavo. Uniformly bound in later green cloth, gilt lettered spines, a solid and practical binding. Some light wear to extremities, internally clean and well preserved with only minor age toning.

A substantial and intellectually important historical work by William Godwin, one of the central philosophical figures of the late Enlightenment and early Romantic period, and widely regarded as one of the first modern political thinkers.

This work presents a detailed account of the English Commonwealth, covering the turbulent period from the collapse of monarchy through to the Restoration of Charles II, with particular focus on the rise and rule of Oliver Cromwell. The text reflects Godwin?s distinctive analytical style, combining historical narrative with deeper philosophical inquiry into governance, authority, and political legitimacy.

The opening sections, as seen here, set the tone with a critical and reflective treatment of Cromwell?s actions, questioning both his authority and legacy. Godwin does not simply recount events; he interrogates them, making this work as much a study in political philosophy as it is a history.

From a collecting perspective, this is a strong intersectional work:
? English Civil War history
? early political philosophy
? Enlightenment and post Enlightenment thought
? the evolution of modern historical analysis

Godwin?s influence extends beyond history into literature and philosophy, notably as the father of Mary Shelley and husband of Mary Wollstonecraft, placing him at the centre of one of the most important intellectual circles of the period.

A solid and attractive complete set, offering both readability and scholarly value.

Why This Matters

This is not merely a historical account. It represents an early attempt to interpret political power through reasoned analysis rather than simple narrative. Works like this helped shape modern understandings of governance, authority, and the moral responsibility of leadership.

Bibliography

Standard early edition of Godwin?s major historical work. Held in major institutional collections including the British Library.

Offered by Atlas Rare Books, specialists in rare and antiquarian books.

N° de réf. du vendeur ABE-1775924724625

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: History of the Commonwealth of England Complete in Four Volumes 1828 William Godwin Cromwell English Civil War Political Philosophy
• Éditeur: Printed for Henry Colburn New Burlington Street, London
• Date de parution: 1828
• Langue: anglais
• Reliure: Couverture rigide
• Édition: Edition originale
• État de l'article: Assez bon