An Equity Concerning Political Justice - William Godwin (1756-1836)

I’ve searched all over the net to try and find some précis’s of his political writing, or decent criticism, but had no luck. This synopsis of life/work is from and old issue of Green Anarchist and is the best I can find. Nonetheless, it portrays a very interesting character. Despite the dense and grandeur style of language, and the odd discrepancy in his argument, (free will?) considering the social/historical context, his ideas are hugely radical:

‘The efficacy of political institutions will be rendered still more evident, if we enquire into the history of the most considerable vices at present existing in society; and if it can be shewn that they derive their inveteracy from political institution’

This is from a chapter entitled ‘Influence of Political Institutions Exemplified’ from his book ‘An Enquiry concerning Political Justice’ (1789), if you time you can find it here…

‘To attain a happy and free life we must be honest and truthful. How do we know what is true? By following the dictates of reason which is common to all people. This means discussion; relying on proof not on power, on argument not on authority, on openness not on deception’

supposedly for a brief period, Godwin was the most celebrated political theorist in England, but even within his own lifetime became almost completely unkown.

Interestingly also the father of Mary Shelly (Frankenstein), which would also make him the father-in-law of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who penned 'Ode to the West Wind' - no doubting Godwin's political influence there!