The Complete Works
Lysander Spooner
Nov 2022 · DigiCat
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About this ebook
Lysander Spooner's "The Complete Works" is an extensive anthology that encapsulates the intellectual fervor of 19th-century America. This compendium showcases Spooner's penetrating arguments on topics such as individual liberty, natural law, and the critique of government, articulated through a literary style that marries rigorous logic with a passionate call for social reform. His essays, notably on the Constitution and abolition, reflect the radicalism of his time, positioning him as a preeminent voice in the libertarian tradition and a challenger of conventional political thought. Spooner, a lawyer and abolitionist, forged his ideas through personal experience and a profound commitment to justice and freedom. His background as an autodidact, combined with his practical legal acumen, propelled him to question prevailing social norms. His radical theories emerged during a pivotal time in American history, where debates around slavery, civil rights, and the role of government were hotly contested, providing fertile ground for his revolutionary ideas. "The Complete Works" is essential for readers interested in political philosophy, legal theory, and the evolution of libertarian thought. Spooner's mastery in articulating the principles of individual freedom challenges the reader to reconsider the foundations of government and the nature of human rights, making it a transformative read for scholars and activists alike.
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About the author
Lysander Spooner (1808-1887) was an American legal theorist, abolitionist, and entrepreneur, known for his dissenting views on many social and legal institutions of his time. A self-taught legal scholar, Spooner's libertarian philosophy was articulated through his vehement opposition to slavery and the post office monopoly, as well as his advocacy for free market labor and the right to bear arms. His most notable literary contributions can be found in 'The Complete Works', which encompass a wide range of topics, including constitutional law, natural law, political theory, and economic thought. Spooner's intellectual legacy is highlighted by seminal works such as 'No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority', in which he challenges the legitimacy of the United States Constitution and argues for a society built upon the voluntary consent of individuals, and 'The Unconstitutionality of Slavery', where he presented a controversial legal argument against slavery that was based on natural law principles rather than racial justice. Spooner's literary style is marked by rigorous logic, moral fervor, and an unyielding critique of authoritarianism. His writing continues to influence libertarian and anarchist thought, echoing his fundamental belief in the sovereignty of the individual and the illegitimacy of coercive government.
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