Principles of Penal Law

London: B White ... T Cadell, 1771. First Edition.. full contemp. calf; rebacked.. A very good copy; printed on thick paper.. 8vo. (i-iii)iv, (1)2 - 300 pp. + errata.

This is Eden's first book written just as he left Christ Church College, Oxford. It bears an inked inscription on both pastedowns, Christ Church Common Room 1772 (this also appears in the blank portion of the margin on p. 159) and a pencil note (later) of attribution: 'From the Author/ William Eden Esq.' This essay on the reform of the English penal code has come to be regarded as a seminal book and the first in English to consider reform in a systematic way. Marvin states: ' This justly admired work, from its philosophical character and enlightened humanity, ranks the author with Montesquieu, Beccaria and other advocates of a mild and improved system of legislation.' Holdsworth notes: ' Eden's book is a pioneer treatise. It discussed topics which, under the influence of Bentham and Romilly, aroused much attention ... the book is a remarkable precursor of [a] new era of agitation for the reform of the law ....' Marvin p. 288; see also Holdsworth.