Owen (Robert) A New View of Society: or, Essays on the Formation of the Human Character, and the Application of the Principle to Practice, Parts 3 & 4 bound in 1 vol., first editions, very occasional light spotting or soiling, traces of library stamps to foot and verso of first title, later half morocco over marbled boards, spine gilt, t.e.g., a little rubbed, spine ends neatly repaired, [Goldsmiths' 20854; Kress B6195; PMM 271], 8vo, [for private circulation], 1814.*** "The Birth of Socialism" (PMM). These are the privately-printed third and fourth parts of Robert Owen's groundbreaking New View of Society which was issued in four parts from 1813-14; parts 3 & 4 being first published in 1816. Owen lays down the principles which had guided his 'Lanark Experiment' in which he had greatly improved the living and working conditions of the workers at his New Lanark cotton mills. Owen's central thesis was that man's character was made not by him but by circumstances beyond his control and that the formation of upright responsible citizens would result from individuals being placed under proper physical, moral and social influences from the earliest age.The third part is dedicated "To the Proprietors of the Principal Mill Establishments for Spinning and Weaving in Great Britain and Ireland" and Owen asks them to join what he clearly thought was a crusade for better working conditions for industrial workers. The fourth part is dedicated more traditionally to the Prince Regent. Owen points out that "the true origin of that misery may be traced to the ignorance of those who have formerly ruled, and of those whom they governed".