De L’Esprit Des Loix…

Leyden [i.e. Lyon?]: "Chez Les Libraires Associés, 1749., 1749. 2 Volumes in 1. 4to. pp. viii, [14], 369; 2 p.l., 306 [i.e. 395], [12], 16(‘Critique’, 50(‘Défense’). woodcut ornaments & initials. contemporary mottled calf, rebacked, corners renewed (some light foxing & browning). few early ms. notes in margins & corrections in text. Early Edition of one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century, treating the philosophical principles of law and government, and the determining influence of geographical and economic factors on social thought, customs, and legal and political institutions. Montesquieu was unanimously advised by his friends, including Helvétius and Fontenelle, not to publish, but he ignored them. Despite Helvétius’ criticism that the work was too moderate, it was placed on the Index and the Sorbonne planned a regular censure of it. Although largely misunderstood or ignored by his contemporaries, including the ‘philosophes’, Montesquieu’s theories exerted a profound influence; "they underlay the thinking which led up to the American and French Revolutions, and the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated." (PMM) This edition is unrecorded in the bibliographies. cfBrunet III 1859-60. cfCioranescu 46153. cfGraesse IV 589. cfPrinting and the Mind of Man 197..