[WOMEN'S RIGHTS]. WOLLSTONECRAFT, Mary (1759-1797). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects. London: J. Johnson, 1792. 8vo. xix, [1, blank], [1]-452 pp. No half-title called-for. Contemporary quarter calf backstrip over marbled boards, vellum corners, black gilt morocco lettering label on spine. Rebacked with most of the original spine laid-down. FIRST EDITION OF THIS LANDMARK AND PIONEERING TEXT ON FEMINIST PHILOSOPHY. 

This title, the author's most famous work, constitutes the first printed appearance of the viewpoint that society must recognize the inherent equality of men and women. She believed that this equality can only be achieved through education for both sexes. As expected, this book was controversial upon its publication. An additional volume was apparently projected (the final text page ends with "End of the First Volume"), but was never produced. As an aside, Wollstonecraft was the mother of Mary Shelley (1797-1851), the author of the first science fiction novel in the English language, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus (1818).

Spine and label worn and chipped, some wear, soiling, scuffing to boards, areas of boards a bit sunned at upper corners, hinges repaired, endleaves and text a bit toned, endleaves and text foxed, with occasional thumbsoiling and creases. Near fine. Housed in modern brown cloth clamshell case.