WITTGENSTEIN, Ludwig, Tractutus Logico-Philosophicus, translated by C.K. Ogden and F.P. Ramsay (Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co., London), 1922 [first edition, later state with publisher’s ads up to 1925]

8vo; pp. 189, [10, ads]

Scarce first edition of this landmark of 20th century philosophy. This copy from the working library of the literary critic James Smith, probably acquired by him while a member of Wittgenstein’s college, Trinity, in the 1920s.

Smith was one of the main early contributors to F.R. Leavis’ journal Scrutiny, mainly writing on Shakespearean themes but also contributing a well known review of Empson’s Seven Types of Ambiguity, subsequently cited by Empson on a number of occasions. Smith’s ownership inscription to the front flyleaf, occasional pencil markings, and more extensive annotations to the rear endpapers.

The Tractatus itself is one of the most famous works in the entire philosophical cannon, containing Wittgenstein’s ‘solution’ to the central problems of philosophy.

Good condition: neatly rebacked, with additional wear to the front hinge; internally very good, occasional pencil annotations throughout, pencil annotations to rear endpapers, with original annotated enpaper laid down.