First edition of the first educational work by the well-known German pedagogue and reformer Johann Bernhard Basedow (1724-1790). In his extensive preface to both parts Basedow lists the errors of the old forms of education and exposes his own views on perfect education, gradually expanding step for step from the understanding of the human condition and the system of nature to a full and free understanding of duty, morals and the truth of Christian religion. At the end of the second work Basedow added his own catechism in questions and answers, entitled Grundriss der Religion, welche durch Nachdenken und Bibelforschen erkannt wird, in Fragen und Antworten, nebst einige Zusätzen. Further added are daily prayers and reflections on God and his creation. Basedow applied all his ideas on enlightened religion to religious education of children. He wanted religion to be truly understood and freely accepted as the ultimate truth, to which end he found the traditional religious education at fault.
With inscription and library stamp. Browned and foxed throughout. Binding slightly worn along the extremities, gold-tooling on the spine only faintly visible. Overall in good condition. Brüggemann-Ewers III, 1270, 48 and 693; cf. Bibelebontse Berg, pp. 193-194; ad 1: VD18 10531297; ad 2: VD18 10201416.