Thomas Day, an English disciple of Rousseau

Paperback. Good. Cambridge University Press, London, 1928, first edition and being the Rede Lecture for 1928; small 8vo, pp [1-4], 5-47; original pale green lapping thick paper covers, spine now toned to brown and the head slightly frayed but nevertheless a good copy. The subject, Day, 1748-1789, was a British writer whose bestselling book for children, drawing on Rousseau's educational principles, "The History of Sandford and Merton", was published anonymously in 1783 and followed by later volumes in 1786 and 1789. Wealthy through inheritance Day's life's focus was on liberal activity and amelioration of perceived injustice or inhumanity as well as being a popular and successful writer of children's literature. His "The History of Little Jack", for instance, showed how rich but spoiled Tommy was taught the virtues of labour and about the evil lives of the idle rich by his poor but virtuous friend Harry. Supportive of the US revolution Day also pointed out the contradiction between the phrase "all men are created equal" and the presence of slavery. He was a fervent abolitionist, a stance presaged by his first published work, a poem "The Dying Negro" a narrative of a runaway slave. Sadler was a historian, a university administrator, and a well regarded writer on education. NOTE that as the book is light at only 80g the postage cost will be less than the default, the extent depending on destination and method.