The Book of the New Moral World, Containing the Rational System of Society, Founded on Demonstrable Facts, Developing the Constitution and Laws of Human Nature and of Society by Owen, Robert - 1836

London: Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1836. First edition. xxxii, 104 pp. 8vo. Publisher's green cloth, titled in gilt on front cover and spine. Light wear to extremities, front joint cloth fraying. First edition. xxxii, 104 pp. 8vo. Presentation Copy to an 'Old Friend'. Presentation copy of the first edition of the first part of the father of English socialism's "most extensive work" (ODNB), inscribed on the title-page: "William Winstanley Esq, With the kind regard of his old friend, The Author." The Book of the New Moral World, which took its name from the socialist periodical published by Owen's Rational Society, eventually ran to seven parts, published over eight years. William Winstanley, along with John Dalton, the chemist and author of the modern atomic theory, were early friends from Owen's time in Manchester, where he had relocated in the 1780s to pursue his career in textile manufacturing. Winstanley and Dalton were assistants to a Dr. Bains in the Manchester Unitarian College. "The three friends often met in the evening and discussed theology, moral philosophy, and science. Coleridge, then an undergraduate at Cambridge, begged to be admitted to the party" (Sargent, Robert Owen: And His Social Philosophy, 1860, p. 16). Kress C4213. Provenance: William Winstanley (presentation inscription from the author); H. Winstanley (1852 ownership inscription on front pastedown)