Bernard Bolzano (1781–1848) - Erbauungsreden für Akademiker. - 1813

Erbauungsreden für Akademiker. – Bernard Bolzano (1781–1848)

Prag [Prague]: Bey Caspar Widtmann, 1813. xx, [2], 354 pages. 19.7cm x 12cm. Hardcover with contemporary black paper-covered cardboard binding. First edition of this milestone of 19th-century progressive theology and social philosophy, which directly precipitated the author's historic academic exile. Published in 1813 by Widtmann in Prague, Erbauungsreden für Akademiker compiles the landmark Sunday lectures delivered by Bernard Bolzano (1781–1848) during his tenure at Prague University. Melding Catholic moral theology with radical pacifist, egalitarian, and early socialist ideals, Bolzano's speeches electrified the student body while threatening the post-Napoleonic Austro-Hungarian state apparatus. The outspoken socio-political convictions outlined in this specific 1813 volume served as the core evidence during the state investigations that resulted in the stripping of Bolzano's professorship in 1819 and the book's formal placement on the papal Index of Prohibited Books in 1828. A key text linking early modern social ethics with the history of logic and philosophy, highly scarce in commerce.

Rubbing, bumping, and wear to the boards and spine, parts of the paper covering of the binding are rubbed-off (see photos). Library sticker on the bottom of the spine. Pencil markings on the front pastedown endpaper, on both sides of the front free endpaper, and on the back pastedown endpaper. Pen markings on the verso of the title page. Browning and spotting throughout. The text is clear and the binding is solid. Overall, copy in very good- condition.