[Rarebooks] FS: Mandeville's political satire "The Fable of the Bees" 2 vols. London: 1732-33

[Kenneth Karmiole]

[Mandeville, Bernard]. THE FABLE OF THE BEES: or, Private Vices, Publick Benefits. With an Essay on Charity and Charity-Schools. And a Search Into the Nature of Society. The Sixth Edition. To Which Is Added, a Vindication.. from the Aspersions.. of the Grand-Jury of Middlesex, and an Abusive Letter to Lord C. London: Printed for J. Tonson. 1732-1733. 2 vols. (16),477,(1);(2),xxx,432,(24)pp. Index. Cont. polished calf, burgundy morocco spine labels, gilt tooled compartments. Hinges and extremities of spine of Vol. 1, neatly repaired. Vol. 2 with extremities of spine chipped and hinges cracked but holding nicely. Engraved bookplates on front pastedowns and free endpapers. Last 3 leaves of Vol. 1 with an old burn mark at fore-edge (no text loss).    $500.00 (trade discount allowed)
The second part (volume) is the second edition printed by J. Roberts. Mandeville (1670?-1733) suffered the fate of most political satirists in that he was taken literally and roundly condemned by those who did not get the joke. "Private vices, by the dextrous management of a skilful politician, may be turned into public benefits," and "The moral virtues are the.. offspring which flattery begot upon pride."

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