18874 — Paris, Capelle, 1846. (4), 500 pp. 8vo. Modern half morocco, marbled boards, raised bands with gilt lettering. Bel Bo, Fourier, p. 69; DBMOF, iii, p. 502; Goldsmiths 34912; not in Kress; not in Einaudi. First edition. Vidal marks the transition from utopian socialism of Saint Simon and Fourier to collectivist socialism. 'In his works, as in those of his contemporary Pecqueur (.....) the principal doctrines of collectivism are clearly expressed and reduced to formulas; among these are the so-called 'iron-law' of wages, the theory that wealth is the produce of work 'of others', and that economic evolution leads infallibly to the socialisation of land and of capital. Vidal, however, does not go so far as this in his conclusions. He contents himself with cooperation for producers, profit-sharing for labourers, and a minimum wage fixed by law. His principal works are De la répartition des richesses .... , a critical explanation of the doctrines of the liberal school and those of the principal French socialists, interesting even at the present day ....' (Palgrave, iii, p. 621). - With stamp on title and page 1, some underlining, a faint and small stain in lower blank margin, occasional spotting.
