Principes de politique
First edition of this important political work by Benjamin Constant.
A beautiful wide-margined copy, kept in its contemporary wrappers, as issued.
8vo of 321 pp., (3) pp.
Contemporary blue wrappers.
Constant, Benjamin. Principes de politique, applicables à tous les gouvernemens représentatifs et particulièrement à la Constitution actuelle de la France.
Paris, Alexis Eymery, mai 1815.
First edition of this very important political work by Benjamin Constant.
Gall, 408; Cioranescu, XVIIIeme siècle, 20709; Einaudi, 1277.
Benjamin Constant had just drafted the additional act in the constitutions of the Empire and had just been appointed member of the Council of State.
This treaty draws a political philosophy conformed to the principles of modern individual freedom, while being hostile to the tyranny of a blind popular sovereignty.
The Principes de politique are the most complete view of Constant ideas.
The author always presented himself has having never been the dupe of Napoleon.
This work, as he says, is “a perpetual protest against abuses of power”.
If, in 1815, Benjamin Constant is careful towards popular sovereignty it’s because of the bad use Napoleon could have had of it. (H. F. Imbert, Les métamorphoses de la liberté).
It’s in this work that Benjamin Constant explains the best his political views, justifying Victor de Broglie affirmation :”It’s Constant who really taught the new Nation about representative government”.
The work ends with some considerations on which Constant bases his rally to Napoleon.
“Les Principes de politique is Benjamin Constant’s work which gives the most honor to its author. The writer fights against excesses and abuses of power, of tyranny. Here are thoughts which didn’t get old, principles that will always be symbols of true liberals”
A wide-margined copy beautiful copy kept in its wrappers, as issued.
