WITTGENSTEIN, Ludwig, Lectures and Conversations on Aesthetics, Psychology & Religious Belief, edited by Cyril Barrett (Basil Blackwell, Oxford), 1966 [first edition] [with:] WITTGENSTEIN, Ludwig, Culture and Value, translated by Peter Winch (Basil Blackwell, Oxford), 1980 [first edition]

140 x 215mm; pp. [8], 72; 147 x 229mm; pp. [11], 87 [but paginated once only for each facing page], [6].

The scarce first printings of these two collections of Wittgenstein’s remarks on aesthetics, religion, culture, psychology and other matters of broader cultural interest. Though published 14 years apart these form a natural pair, and are both very scarce in their first printings, especially the earlier volume. Lectures is based on notes taken by Wittgenstein’s students, while Culture and Value is extracted from his notebooks. Unusually for the Blackwell Wittgenstein editions, Lectures was apparently only issued in card covers. Culture and Value is the first English translation, based on the revised second German edition. Owing to the lack of sustained comment on religious matters in his major works, these volumes are increasing importance in the philosophy of religion.

Lectures in good condition; card covers as issued; spine worn and faded; internally very good; Culture and Value in very good condition; dust-jacket with slight spine fade; cloth binding and internal condition excellent.