Standard Edition

Shaftesbury (1671-1713), a prominent figure of the European Enlightenment and a friend of Locke and Bayle, was part of the intellectual avant-garde of his time. His writings, which saw numerous editions in the 18th century, were widely received across Europe, influencing thinkers such as Mandeville, Hutcheson, Berkeley, Butler, and Hume in Britain; Leibniz, Oetinger, Hamann, Mendelssohn, Lessing, Wieland, Kant, Merck, Herder, and Goethe in Germany; and Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau in France. The critical Standard Edition compiles all of Shaftesbury's works published during his lifetime, along with posthumous writings, unpublished materials, and his correspondence. This edition also includes the original printed versions of texts he later revised, presented alongside relevant textual materials in a critical format. Additionally, it features engravings from 18th-century editions of his work, designed by Shaftesbury himself as emblematic illustrations. The final volumes will include English commentary and a comprehensive index for the entire edition. The growing community of Shaftesbury scholars eagerly anticipates each volume, as the provision of reliable texts and previously unpublished materials is expected to significantly advance Shaftesbury research.