John Stuart Mill

Utilitarianism, Liberty and Representative Government

Edited by Ernest Rhys. Introduction by A. D. Lindsay.

London: J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd., 1912.

Few political philosophers have shaped the modern liberal tradition more profoundly than John Stuart Mill. Bringing together three of his most influential works—Utilitarianism, On Liberty, and Considerations on Representative Government—this elegant early Everyman's Library edition presents the core of Mill's political and ethical philosophy in a single volume.

Originally issued in the celebrated Everyman's Library series under the editorship of Ernest Rhys, this edition follows the first issue of 1910 and includes an introduction by the distinguished political philosopher A. D. Lindsay. The volume retains the magnificent decorative title pages designed in the Arts and Crafts tradition, combining classical typography with richly ornamented borders that have become hallmarks of the finest early Everyman's Library productions.

Few works have exercised greater influence on modern ideas of individual liberty, representative government, freedom of expression, and democratic institutions. More than a century after publication, Mill's writings continue to inform political philosophy, constitutional thought, economics, and public policy around the world.

Historical Significance

John Stuart Mill remains one of the founding figures of modern liberal political philosophy. His defence of individual liberty, freedom of thought, representative democracy, and responsible government has influenced generations of philosophers, economists, jurists, and political leaders.

On Liberty remains one of the most frequently cited works in discussions of free speech and individual rights, while Considerations on Representative Government helped shape modern democratic theory. Utilitarianism continues to stand as one of the classic statements of consequentialist ethics and moral philosophy.

Collected together in this attractive early Everyman's Library edition, these three works represent one of the essential texts for any collection devoted to political thought, constitutional history, philosophy, or the history of ideas.

Condition

A very good copy of this early Everyman's Library edition in the publisher's original binding. The volume remains clean and well preserved, with bright pages and only light signs of careful handling consistent with age. The decorative title pages remain particularly crisp and attractive, preserving the elegant Arts and Crafts-inspired designs characteristic of the early series. The preliminary leaf records the first issue of the edition (1910) with this copy reprinted in 1912, making it an early example of one of Everyman's most enduring philosophical volumes.

Bibliographical Details

Author: John Stuart Mill

Title: Utilitarianism, Liberty and Representative Government

Editor: Ernest Rhys

Introduction: A. D. Lindsay

Publisher: J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.

Place of Publication: London

Year: 1912

Edition: Early Everyman's Library Edition (First issued 1910; this copy reprinted 1912)

Series: Everyman's Library – Philosophy & Theology

Binding: Original publisher's cloth

Illustration: Decorative Arts and Crafts title pages by Reginald Knowles

Condition: Very Good