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[MONTESQUIEU, Charles-Louis de Secondat (Baron, 1689-1755)]. De L'Esprit des Loix. Geneva: Barrillot & Fils, [1748].
2 volumes, 4° (248 x 187mm). Half-titles. (Without errata leaf at end of vol. I, occasional light marginal dampstaining, some light browning, tiny paper flaw in I:275 affecting two letters.) Contemporary polished sprinkled calf, spines gilt in compartments with red and black label, red speckled edges (minor repairs to spine of vol. I, extremities rubbed). Provenance: T. Pilkington (inscription on flyleaf).
TRUE FIRST EDITION 'of one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century' (PMM), distinguishable from a counterfeit edition (Paris: Prault. c.1748) by the number of cancels and the printer's name spelled on the title with two 'r's. The work is divided into six main sections dealing with law, government, economics and religion; but it was the third section, a discussion on national character and the effect on it of climate, that attracted the most attention at the time of publication. In 1750, shortly before his death, Montesquieu published a Defense of this work whose theories, though criticised and censured at the time and which led to the book being placed on the Index, underlay the thinking behind the French and American Revolutions. 'The United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated' (PMM). Brunet III, 1859; Tchemerzine VIII, 459; PMM 197. (2)
2 volumes, 4° (248 x 187mm). Half-titles. (Without errata leaf at end of vol. I, occasional light marginal dampstaining, some light browning, tiny paper flaw in I:275 affecting two letters.) Contemporary polished sprinkled calf, spines gilt in compartments with red and black label, red speckled edges (minor repairs to spine of vol. I, extremities rubbed). Provenance: T. Pilkington (inscription on flyleaf).
TRUE FIRST EDITION 'of one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century' (PMM), distinguishable from a counterfeit edition (Paris: Prault. c.1748) by the number of cancels and the printer's name spelled on the title with two 'r's. The work is divided into six main sections dealing with law, government, economics and religion; but it was the third section, a discussion on national character and the effect on it of climate, that attracted the most attention at the time of publication. In 1750, shortly before his death, Montesquieu published a Defense of this work whose theories, though criticised and censured at the time and which led to the book being placed on the Index, underlay the thinking behind the French and American Revolutions. 'The United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated' (PMM). Brunet III, 1859; Tchemerzine VIII, 459; PMM 197. (2)
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