Illustrations of political economy. No. VI. Weal and woe in Garveloch. A tale
London: Charles Fox, 67, Paternoster-Row. [Printed by William Clowes, Stamford-Street], 1832. First edition, small 12mo (approx. 5¾" x 3¾"), pp. [6], 140; a very good copy in original drab printed wrappers. "Published in 1832, Illustrations of Political Economy established Harriet Martineau as both a successful and controversial author and a pioneer of nineteenth-century “social problem” writing. This widely read series of didactic stories popularized political economy, making it accessible to audiences by vividly dramatizing issues such as overpopulation and labour strikes. Illustrations of Political Economy marks a pivotal moment in which literature and politics came together, laying the foundation for the realism and social commentary of later Victorian novels" (Broadview Press). "The subsequent works offered fictional tutorials on a range of political economists such as James Mill, Bentham and Ricardo, the latter especially forming her view of rent law. Martineau relied on Malthus to form her view of the tendency of human population to exceed its means of subsistence. However, in stories such as 'Weal and Woe in Garvelock,' she promoted the idea of population control through what Malthus referred to as 'voluntary checks' such as voluntary chastity and delayed marriages" (Wikipedia). Item #68755
Price: $125.00
