The Age of Enlightenment, 2nd Edition (1971 Hardcover)



Although the preface and introductions to each reading are in English, the body of the work is in the original French. As the authors state in the preface: " Whether the general tendencies of the Enlightenment are approved or disapproved, they are already of tremendous historical significance."


Indeed, these works were seminal in development of the U.S.A. constitution, the French revolution, Karl Marx's philosophy and all subsequent efforts to develop multi-national government.


The major revisions in this 2nd edition are after p 263 and with the inclusion of a Bibliography .


Otis Edward Fellows (1909-1993) was a scholar of 18th-century French literature. He taught in the humanities for almost forty years at Columbia University. Fellows co-edited this widely used anthology of 18th-century French literature entitled The Age of Enlightenment with Norman Lewis Torrey, his colleague at Columbia.


Hans Alexander Mueller (1888-1963) was one of several prominent masters of woodcut and wood-engraving born in Germany who emigrated to the United States in the 1930s. He settled in Scarsdale, New York, where he worked as a freelance book illustrator and artist.


Hardcover has forest green leatherette boards with silver lettering, but no DJ. Minor nicks, but square corners show this copy was valued. Prior owner's name on ffep adds no value. Book has been studied, extensive underlining throughout, some pages dog-eared. Binding tight and pages clean.



Copyright renewed 1970, this version 1971. Printed in U.S.A. According to print-line, this copy is from the 4th impression of this 2nd edition. Because of the LCCN, suspect this copy printed in or after 1973. ISBN-10: 0-13-018465-9. LCCN: 73-147121. Bookstore ink stamp on ffep suggests this copy sold new for $27.50.



Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!