A tour in Sweden in 1838; Comprising Observations on the Moral, Political, and Economical State of the Swedish Nation
London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, & Longmans, 1839. 8vo. xii, 431 pp. FIRST EDITION. Publisher’s cloth decorated in blind, gilt on spine; an excellent copy all around. Item #15244
First edition. Laing recounts his travels through Sweden in 1838. This work caused controversy at the time of release due to the author’s critical observations and writing, denouncing the union of Sweden and Norway as “a flagitious act” and describing the entire nation of Sweden as “the most immoral in Europe.” The author’s criticisms elicited strong responses from the Swedish people, most famously from Count Björnstjerna, the Swedish ambassador at the British court, who published a pamphlet publicly arguing against Laing and his claims.
Laing (1812-1897) was a British writer, politician and chairman of the Brighton Railway. He represented the liberal Wick district in Parliament. Of particular interest was his later works on religion and science.
Price: $350.00