Droits de l'Homme
“The clearest of all expositions of the basic principles of democracy” (PMM).
First French edition of the Rights of Man by Thomas Paine, which “was burned in England and earned its author the title of French citizen” (E. Psaume).
Beautiful untrimmed copy, in wrappers, as published
2 works in 1 octavo volume of XII and 227 pp., (2) leaves, IV, 16 and 224 pp.
Period brochure, untrimmed copy.
212 x 137 mm.
Paine, Thomas. Rights of Man; in response to Mr. Burke's attack on the French Revolution. By Thomas Paine, Secretary to the Congress for the Department of Foreign Affairs during the American War, and author of the work entitled: Common Sense. Translated from the English.
Paris, F. Buisson, 1792, May 1791.
Followed by: Rights of Man, second part, uniting principles and practice. Translated from the English.
Paris, Buisson and Testu, 1792.
Rare first French edition of Rights of Man by Thomas Paine, which “was burned in England and earned its author the title of French citizen” (E. Psaume).
PMM, 241; Howes, P31 and 32; Monglond, II, 134; Martin-W, 26315; II, p.193.
The second part is almost impossible to find and the first part features a preface by the author specially written for this first edition. This exceptional text had a great influence on the French Revolution.
When the French Revolution broke out, Thomas Paine entered into contact with Franklin, who had been sent to England to advocate before the government for the cause of the American colonies. Struck by his talents, the illustrious patriot persuaded him to go to America to defend the cause of independence. Paine set sail and settled in Philadelphia. Response to Mr. Burke’s attack on the French Revolution, Rights of Man (Les Droits de l’homme), includes 2 parts. The first, dedicated to George Washington, was published in London on March 16, 1791. It is a justification of the events in France, a critique of monarchical and aristocratic institutions in general, and at the same time a direct reply to Burke’s conservatism. The second part is dedicated to Lafayette. Paine presents a theory of society in general and its government.
The second part, even bolder than the first, is almost unobtainable. Paine attacked the monarchical system there with the greatest vigor. This second part was as successful as the first and led to his author being brought before the king’s bench, charged with inciting revolt.
The French translation of the work was a tremendous success. All the “friends of the Revolution” fully and publicly support the ideas developed by Paine. The enthusiasm generated by its publication enabled Thomas Paine to become a French citizen in August 1792 and then a member of the National Convention.
The French revolutionaries saw the Americans as their predecessors and America as a model to follow. In a speech delivered on July 10, 1791, Brissot declared: “The American Revolution gave birth to the French Revolution: the latter will be the sacred hearth from which will spring the spark that will ignite the nations whose rulers dare to approach it!”; in 1787, he wrote: “What I assert, a famous American, who did not a little to spread, sustain, and exalt among his compatriots the enthusiasm for liberty through his patriotic writings—Mr. Paine—had said before me.”
“From 1776 to 1793, Thomas Paine embodied the revolutionary spirit, both in America and in France” (Monglond).
Untrimmed copy preserved in its original contemporary wrapper
A lovely copy in contemporary condition of one of the most important editions of Paine's great polemic.
