The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits. With an Essay on Charity and Charity Schools, and A Search into the Nature of Society.; Also, A Vindication of the Book from the Aspersions contained in a Presentment of the Grand Jury of Middlesex, and an Abusive Letter to Lord C-.
London: J. Tonson, 1728. 2 volumes (published 1 year apart and by different publishers). 8vo, original calf; well-rubbed, spine labels partially present. London: J. Tonson, 1728 Fifth Edition and James Roberts, 1729. First Edition. Very Good. This is one of many editions of the famous and popular satire on the true causes of social welfare and riches, Mandeville suggesting that base behavior produces positive economic effects. The conspiratorial theory of the origin of society so prominent in Part I was..... More