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[HOLBACH, Paul Henri Thiry, baron d' (1723-1789)]. Système de la nature. Ou des loix du monde physique & du monde moral. par M. Mirabaud. 'Londres': [n.p.], 1770. 2 volumes, 8° (198 x 118mm). Half-title in volume I, with the final blank in the same volume. Contemporary mottled sheep, gilt spines (both spines rather rubbed). Provenance: Sir Windham Dalling Bart. (19th-century armorial bookplate).
FIRST EDITION of this famous work which shocked for its materialist philosophy of nature. The abbé Galiani pronounced it 'banqueroute du savoir, du plaisir et de l'esprit humain', a sentiment with which Voltaire heartily agreed. Yet Holbach won the esteem of Diderot, and despite his ponderous style 'played a vital role in the movement of ideas of the late 18th century' (OCFL). Brunet III, 1739; Higgs 5120.
FIRST EDITION of this famous work which shocked for its materialist philosophy of nature. The abbé Galiani pronounced it 'banqueroute du savoir, du plaisir et de l'esprit humain', a sentiment with which Voltaire heartily agreed. Yet Holbach won the esteem of Diderot, and despite his ponderous style 'played a vital role in the movement of ideas of the late 18th century' (OCFL). Brunet III, 1739; Higgs 5120.
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