Books

1793. Philadelphia, 1793. 3rd American Edition. Philadelphia, 1793. 3rd American Edition. Early American Edition of "One of the Most Influential Books in the Whole History of Criminology," PMM 209 Beccaria, [Cesare Bonesana, Marchese di] [1738-1794]. Voltaire (Arouet, Francois-Marie) [1694-1778]. An Essay on Crimes and Punishments: By the Marquis Beccaria, Of Milan. With a Commentary by M. De Voltaire. A New Edition Corrected. Philadelphia: Printed by William Young, 1793. x, [13]-230 pp. 12mo. (6" x 3-1/2"). Contemporary sheep, lettering piece and gilt fillets to spine. Light rubbing and some minor nicks to boards, a few creases to spine, joints starting at head, moderate rubbing to spine ends and corners, which are lightly bumped, front free endpaper lacking. Light toning to text, light foxing and negligible faint stains to a few leaves, early repair to Leaf D6 (pp. 43-44) with no loss to text. An attractive copy. $750. * Third American edition. First published in Livorno in…

Cesare Beccaria's seminal work, "Dei delitti e delle pene," translated into English as "On Crimes and Punishments," marks a monumental shift in the landscape of criminal justice and criminology. Published in 1764, this groundbreaking treatise laid the foundations for the modern criminal justice system, advocating for the reform of the legal and penal system in a manner that was radically ahead of its time. Beccaria's ideas not only influenced the development of criminal law in Western Europe but also had a profound impact on the Enlightenment philosophers of his era. This essay delves into the core themes, arguments, and enduring legacy of "On Crimes and Punishments," highlighting its significance in the annals of legal and philosophical thought. At the core of Beccaria's argument is the assertion that the system of punishment should be guided by rationality, humanity, and the principle of justice rather than by the severity of torture or the arbitrariness of the judges. Beccaria challenges the traditional practices of the criminal justice system of his time, which often involved torture and capital punishment, arguing that the purpose of punishment should be to deter crime and reform the offender, rather than to exact revenge. This represented a radical departure from the prevailing judicial practices, rooted in a belief in the innate rights of individuals and the importance of a proportional response to crime. Beccaria posits that the certainty of punishment, rather than its severity, is more effective in deterring crime. He advocates for a system where laws are clear and widely known, ensuring that individuals can understand the consequences of their actions. This principle underscores the importance of a legal system that is transparent, predictable, and fair, in which punishments are not only just but also necessary and logically connected to the crimes they are meant to deter. One of the most revolutionary aspects of Beccaria's work is his staunch opposition to the death penalty and the use of torture. He argues that the state does not have the right to take lives and that capital punishment is neither a useful deterrent nor morally justifiable. Beccaria's arguments against torture are similarly grounded in logic and humanity, emphasizing the unreliability of confessions obtained under duress and the fundamental rights of individuals to be treated with dignity and fairness. The impact of "Dei delitti e delle pene" on the development of legal thought cannot be overstated. Beccaria's ideas were instrumental in shaping the reforms of the criminal justice systems in various European countries, including the abolition of torture and the death penalty in many jurisdictions. His work also influenced prominent figures of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire and Montesquieu, and contributed to the development of classical criminology and the modern principles of human rights. Beyond its immediate impact, Beccaria's treatise continues to resonate in contemporary debates on criminal justice reform, the ethics of punishment, and the abolition of the death penalty. His advocacy for proportionality, deterrence, and the humane treatment of offenders remains relevant, reflecting enduring principles of justice and humanity.