William Godwin (1756-1836) was one of the first exponents of utilitarianism

and the first modern proponent of anarchism. He was not only a radical

philosopher but a pioneer in libertarian education, a founder of communist

economics, and an acute and powerful novelist whose literary family

included his partner, pioneering feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, and

his daughter Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley). This work offers for the

first time a handy collection of Godwin”s key writings in a clear and

concise form, together with an assessment of his influence, a biographical

sketch, and an analysis of his contribution to anarchist theory and

practice. Godwin”s work will be of interest to all those who believe that

rationality, truth, happiness, individuality, equality, and freedom are

central concerns of human enquiry and endeavor.