The Logic of Scientific Discovery.

POPPER, Karl R. [Lionel Robbins].

$4,800.00

Item Number: 131549

London: Hutchinson, 1959.

First edition and the first advance copy of “one of the most important documents of the twentieth century” with the original transmittal letter inscribed by Karl Popper to economist Lionel Robbins (Peter Medawar, New Scientist). Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, accompanied by the original transmittal letter on Popper’s London School of Economics and Political Science letterhead which reads in full, “December 10th, 1958 Dear Robbins, I am sending you the first advance copy of the Logic of Scientific Discovery. I was just about to inscribe this copy “To Lionel Robbins, in sincere gratitude for his unflagging interest which has meant more to me than I can say” when it occurred to me that I may have used these words in a dedication to you before. They are so natural to me, and express so precisely what I feel, that it is not at all impossible that I have used them, or something very similar, before. For this reason, I did not dare to use them; but if I have not used them before, I should be grateful if you would permit me to inscribed them into this book at some other time. Yours ever, K. R. Popper. P.S. The publishers want me to mention that publication date is January 12th.” The recipient, British economist Lionel Charles Robbins, was a prominent member of the economics department at the London School of Economics. He and Popper were colleagues for over twenty years and formed a strong inter-departmental alliance, fortified by their mutual friendship with Friedrich von Hayek. In a letter to Hayek on 20th October 1964, Popper wrote, “I should also mention that, through your closeness to Lionel Robbins, I got to know him; and he is now my stand-by in the School, outside my department. He has been very good to me, and has helped me immensely, in many difficult situations at the school” (Shearmur & Turner, 249f). They also had significant intellectual intersections, with Robbins playing a role in the development of two of Popper’s most important works, The Open Society and The Poverty of Historicism. Popper once referred to Robbins was “the uncrowned king of the LSE” (Dahrendorf, 422) and also once stated: “I loved and admired him, most of all for his moral and personal qualities – and as a teacher” (Howson, 7). Near fine in a very good dust jacket. The letter is in fine condition. An exceptional association copy, connecting two stalwarts of the London School of Economics.

Described by the philosopher A.J. Ayer as a work of 'great originality and power', this book revolutionized contemporary thinking on science and knowledge. Ideas such as the now legendary doctrine of 'falsificationism' electrified the scientific community, influencing even working scientists, as well as post-war philosophy. This astonishing work ranks alongside The Open Society and Its Enemies as one of Popper's most enduring books and contains insights and arguments that demand to be read to this day.