Logic and Utility; The Tests of Truth and Falsehood, and of Right and Wrong; Being an Outline of Logic, the Science of Reasoning, and of the Utilitarian or Happiness Theory of Morals.

DRYSDALE, George.

Edité par London: E. Truelove, 1866

A propos de cet article

First edition in book form of Drysdale's digest of the philosophy of J. S. Mill. The work offers an intriguing and rarely cited perspective on Drysdale's wider challenge to contemporary sexual orthodoxy: a challenge which is receiving increasing attention in studies of Victorian sexuality. It is, equally, an indicative example of the popular spread of Mill's philosophy in nineteenth-century Britain. Logic and Utility developed from several articles which George Drysdale (1824-1904) wrote for the National Reformer in 1863 and 1864. His stated purpose is to provide an outline which "may be of service, especially to the working classes, and may induce the reader to enter further into the subject" [p. ii]. Drysdale's interest in publicising Mill lies in their shared feminism, their shared distrust of institutionally-prescribed conventions, and their shared concern with issues of overpopulation. Drysdale is today remembered for his rather euphemistically-titled Elements of Social Science (1855), a radical challenge to Victorian sexual orthodoxy. In that work, he advocates the equality of male and female sexuality, the value of sex as a physical and mental restorative, and the widespread acceptance of contraception. Although ultimately set against the backdrop of Malthusian concerns over poverty and overpopulation, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Elements came to be known as "the Bible of the brothel" (ODNB). In spite, or perhaps because of, its notoriety, the work was successful: eventually selling over 90,000 copies. Duodecimo (154 x 98 mm). Recent green cloth, spine lettered and ruled in gilt, red sprinkled edges. Contents closely trimmed, touching some signatures but not affecting text, lightly toned and with occasional minor foxing: a very good copy.

N° de réf. du vendeur 167849

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Logic and Utility; The Tests of Truth and Falsehood, and of Right and Wrong; Being an Outline of Logic, the Science of Reasoning, and of the Utilitarian or Happiness Theory of Morals.
• Éditeur: London: E. Truelove, 1866
• Édition: Edition originale