First Collected Edition of one of the classic works of English libertarian political ideology. Its most striking themes were a profound distrust of clerical authority as a source of political reaction and absolutism, the sanctity of freedom of thought and expression, and a belief in progress through liberty.; A reprint of the Independent Whig, no. 1-53, Jan. 20, 1720 - Jan. 4, 1721, originally published as a weekly periodical. References: ESTC N7172.

Deturs are awarded through a foundation established by Edward Hopkins, a London merchant who came to America in 1637, and who was several times governor of the Connecticut colony. He made numerous educational bequests to New England. Deturs are the oldest prizes at Harvard, dating from 1712.

Octavo, lii, 444 pages, [20]. In Very Good condition. Bound in 1860 Harvard prize binding of burgundy calf, and re-backed with 18th-century spine preserved (label replaced with re-backing). Boards have chipping to head of spine, light rubbing and wear overall (primarily to spine), bumping to corners, and cracking to hinges. Text block is clean, with Harvard prize bookplate to front pastedown (covering another bookplate). Veritas seal to front cover and Deturs statement and shield on rear cover, both in and surrounded by gilt tooling. In this Large Paper Issue the date is in roman numerals, and the text blocks measure 22.6 cm in height with wide margins. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. RW Consignment. Shelved in Room G.