A Treatise on the Methods of Observation and Reasoning in Politics.

First edition of the Victorian era political economist's fundamental treatise on the study of politics. Octavo, two volumes bound in three quarter contemporary calf over marbled boards with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, raised bands and gilt ruling to the spine, all edged speckled black. From the library of William Safire, although not marked. William Safire was an important American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter. He joined Nixon’s campaign for the 1960 Presidential race, and again in 1968. After Nixon’s 1968 victory, Safire served as a speechwriter for him and Spiro Agnew. He authored several political columns in addition to his weekly column “On Language” in The New York Times Magazine from 1979 until the month of his death and authored two books on grammar and linguistics: The New Language of Politics (1968) and what Zimmer called Safire’s “magnum opus,” Safire’s Political Dictionary. Safire later served as a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board from 1995 to 2004 and in 2006 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. In very good condition. A sharp example of this rare work.