MONTESQUIEU, Charles de Secondat, Baron de (1689-1755). De l'Esprit des Loix. Geneva: Barrillot & Fils, [1748].

MONTESQUIEU, Charles de Secondat, Baron de (1689-1755). De l'Esprit des Loix. Geneva: Barrillot & Fils, [1748].

The true first edition of 'one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century' (PMM). This copy has most cancels and the double 'r' spelling of the printer on the title-page as described by Tchemerzine. In De l'Esprit des Loix, Montesquieu sets out his theory for government by limited monarchy with civil liberties well safeguarded, a vision that proved to be highly influential and became the underlying philosophy behind the American and French revolutions. Montesquieu is, after St Paul, the second most cited thinker in literature by the American Founding Fathers, his theories profoundly shaping, among other works, Hamilton's Federalist Papers and Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Montesquieu divides his work into six main sections touching on general law and forms of government, military arrangement and taxation, economics and religion, Roman, French and feudal law, and a peculiar discussion on the effects of climate and geography on national character. Written over a period of 20 years, L'esprit was widely circulated throughout France, but it was soundly attacked by the Jansenists, the Jesuits, and the censors. PMM 197 ('...the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated'); Tchemerzine IV 929.

2 volumes, quarto (249 x 190mm). Half-titles (without errata leaves at end of both vols, some unobtrusive worming to the margins of first quire and last few quires to vol. 1, occasional light scattered spotting, some variable minor light browning, front free endpaper of vol. 2 detached.) Contemporary speckled calf, gilt spines, (rubbed, headcaps a little chipped, a few abrasions to sides, corners worn). Provenance: Rev. Henry Reginald Courtenay LLD (19th-century armorial bookplates).

Special Notice

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.