raynal labbe guillaume t f (2 risultati)

8. 8vo. 6 volumes: (2), 384, (4); (2), 294, 3; (2), 432, 6; (2), 291, (2); (2), 294, (1); (2), 426, (2) pp. Contemporary calf-backed paper boards (rubbed, corners bumped), spines richly gilt with ornamentation, leather spine labels; spines rubbed, some scattered foxing, but an attractive copy. First edition, second issue (this copy with the mispaginations in volume one; Sabin records a 1770 four-volume Amsterdam edition as the first, but it is apparently a ghost). An influential work in the revolutionary climate of the last quarter of the 18th century, Histoire alternates "narrative with tirades on political and social questions, [and had] the added disadvantage of a lack of exact information, which, owing to the dearth of documents, could only have been gained by personal investigation. The 'philosophic' declamations perhaps constituted its chief interest for the general public, and its significance as a contribution to democratic propaganda" (Encyclopedia Britannica). Raynal (1713-1793), a Jesuit priest and editor worked ten years on this treatise; it "contained virulent attacks on the Roman Catholic church, created a great sensation, and was translated into all European languages" (Appletons'). Sabin 68080 (for another edition): "The book was condemned by the French parliament and church dignitaries, and Raynal was obliged to leave France." Sowerby Jefferson Catalogue 466 (another edition): "In this [Raynal's] most important work, he had the assistance of Diderot [and others]. It originally appeared anonymously in Amsterdam, 1770, and was frequently reprinted, revised, abridged, and translated. In France its publication was prohibited, and it was burned by the public executioner." Clark Old South I, 292. Kress 6750.

19.6x13 cm. Original full calf with spine label, well worn, front joint cracked, front board lightly warped, corners chipped. Internally near fine with light soiling to title page. xvi, 171 pp. This is the unauthorized first edition of Raynal's analysis of the American Revolution. Howes R85: "Intended to supplement the author's earlier history of European trade in the two Indies. An enterprising printer secured the manuscript and without consent issued simultaneous English and French editions." There were several issues of this work dated 1781, all with different paginations. This 171-page edition was published in London by Lockyer Davis of Holbourn and Paris by P. F. Gosse., Libraire de la Cour. Howes suggests that it may actually have been printed in Geneva.