Details
MONTESQUIEU, Charles de Secondat (1689-1755). De l'Esprit des Loix. Geneva, Barillot & Fils, [i.e.: Paris, Prault, 1748].
2 vols., 4 (255 x 190 mm). Half-titles, errata-leaf at end of vol. I (Some occasional light staining, pp. 25-32 of volume 1 and pp. 77 of volume 2 misbound). Contemporary French calf, gilt ruled borders, spines gilt, (rubbed, bumped at head and foot of spines). Provenance: Monogram JB on front-fly leaf (dated 1765).
Second edition, first issue of a work which influenced the American Revolution. "The most distinctive aspects of this immense syllabus is its moderation... It is an always original survey which is neither doctrinaire, visionary, eccentric, nor over-systematic... the scheme that emerges... was to prove immensely influential... the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles [Montesquieu] advocated" PMM 197; Tchemerzine VIII, p. 460; Kress 4920. (2)
2 vols., 4 (255 x 190 mm). Half-titles, errata-leaf at end of vol. I (Some occasional light staining, pp. 25-32 of volume 1 and pp. 77 of volume 2 misbound). Contemporary French calf, gilt ruled borders, spines gilt, (rubbed, bumped at head and foot of spines). Provenance: Monogram JB on front-fly leaf (dated 1765).
Second edition, first issue of a work which influenced the American Revolution. "The most distinctive aspects of this immense syllabus is its moderation... It is an always original survey which is neither doctrinaire, visionary, eccentric, nor over-systematic... the scheme that emerges... was to prove immensely influential... the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles [Montesquieu] advocated" PMM 197; Tchemerzine VIII, p. 460; Kress 4920. (2)