Romantic Rationalist

Overview

William Godwin (1756–1836) was one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and the first modern proponent of anarchism. He was not only a radical philosopher but a pioneer in libertarian education, a founder of communist economics, and an acute and powerful novelist whose literary family included his partner, pioneering feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, and his daughter Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley). This work offers for the first time a handy collection of Godwin's key writings in a clear and concise form, together with an assessment of his influence, a biographical sketch, and an analysis of his contribution to anarchist theory and practice. Godwin's work will be of interest to all those who believe that rationality, truth, happiness, individuality, equality, and freedom are central concerns of human enquiry and endeavor.

Reviews

"Peter Marshall has produced the most useful modern account of Godwin's life and now the most useful modern anthology of his writings. Marshall's selection is sensible and valuable, bringing out the important points. . . . His introduction is a good summary of Godwin's life and work. . . . Marshall is right to see him as 'the most profound exponent of philosophical anarchism.'" —Nicolas Walter, New Statesman 

"A handsome and handy little book, excavating nuggets of Godwinian wisdom from the whole range of his writings." —Colin Ward, Times Educational Supplement 

"An anarchist classic . . . with a valuable sketch of Godwin's life and an interpretation of his work. Much of what Godwin says is obvious common sense." —Henry Geiger, Manas Journal

Author Biography

William Godwin was one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and the first modern proponent of anarchism. John Clark is the Curtin Distinguished Professor in Humane Letters and the Professions, a professor of philosophy, and a member of the environmental studies faculty at Loyola University–New Orleans. He is the author or editor of a dozen books, most recently, The Impossible Community. He lives in New Orleans. Peter Marshall is a historian, philosopher, travel writer, and poet. He has written sixteen books, including Demanding the Impossible and William Godwin. He was a founding member of a libertarian community in England.