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ARISTOTLE: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle with English Notes

ARISTOTLE: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle with English Notes

"Whatever intellectual progress men have achieved rests on his achievements” (Ayn Rand).


First edition of John S. Brewer's of The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle with English Notes (Oxford, Henry Slater, 1836). Distinguished primarily by its inclusion of extensive English notes and commentary designed to aid readers in understanding Aristotle's text, Brewer’s Ethics differs from many earlier and contemporary editions, which often presented the Greek text alone or with minimal annotation.


This editorial approach was particularly valuable in the 19th century, as it made the work more accessible to those English-speaking students and scholars who lacked fluency in Ancient Greek. Brewer's edition was intended as a scholarly resource for students and readers seeking a deeper understanding of Aristotle's ethical philosophy. The notes serve both as a linguistic aid and as an introduction to Aristotelian thought, making the edition particularly suitable for educational settings.


 The profound impact of the Nicomachean Ethics on Western intellectual history is undeniable. It served as a cornerstone of medieval philosophy and significantly influenced the subsequent development of modern philosophy, European legal systems, and theology. Aristotle's stature was such that he was frequently referred to simply as "the Philosopher". 


“If there is a philosophical Atlas, who carries the whole of Western Civilization on his shoulders, it it Aristotle. He has been opposed, misinterpreted, misrepresented, and – like an axiom – used by his enemies in the very act of denying him. Whatever intellectual progress men have achieved rests on his achievements” (Ayn Rand, 1963).


Text very fresh and clean. Octavo, original calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine with raised bands. Some scattered foxing on opening and closing blank pages. PO’s tiny bookplate and signature. Lightly penciled note on P. 228 and back pastedown. A lovely, near-fine copy, handsomely bound. 


$875.00

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