Du contrat social, ou Principes du droit politique
One of the finest editions of the Social Contract from the revolutionary period.
A superb copy printed on large paper, bound in contemporary blue morocco.
Large duodecimo of (2) leaves, 163 pp., (1) p. Midnight blue morocco, triple gilt fillet around the covers, smooth decorated spine, gilt inner roll. Contemporary binding.
192 x 115 mm.
Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. The Social Contract, or Principles of Political Right.
Paris, Printed by P. Didot the Elder, Year IV of the Republic, 1796.
One of the finest editions of the“Social Contract”from the revolutionary period.
“Beautiful edition printed in fine type” (Dufour, 155).
“Printed on large, superfine vellum paper from the factory of Delagarde the Elder & Co., Marais, limited to just 200 copies; deluxe printing, as the usual print run at the time was several thousand copies.”
The “Social Contract” first appeared in 1762.
“The Social Contract remains Rousseau’s greatest work. It was the first great emotional plea for the equality of all men in the State. It had the most profound influence on the political thinking of the generation following its publication” (PMM).
After Rousseau’s death, when the political unrest leading to the Revolution began, the Social Contract was invoked by all supporters of reform. Rousseau’s influence is clear in the work of the Constituent Assembly. From the end of 1792 onwards, the doctrines of the Social Contract were constantly discussed at the Convention, among the Jacobins, and in the press. When the Convention began drafting a republican constitution, the ideas of the Social Contract were present in everyone’s minds.
“Far from weakening, his reputation only grew into a form of worship. During the Revolution, which made him its spiritual father, this worship became frenzy. The nation had only one tribute left to pay him: his transfer to the Panthéon, the ultimate act of official deification, which took place on October 11, 1794.
At the Panthéon, where Voltaire was already entombed, Cambacérès paid tribute to “the apostle of liberty and equality.” Robespierre had just fallen a few weeks earlier, and France was beginning to breathe again” (R. Trousson).
The Social Contract played a decisive role in the evolution of political and moral thought in the modern world. It is worth noting that Kant’s moral and political philosophy is directly linked to it.
Magnificent copy printed on large, superfine vellum paper, completely free of foxing, bound in superb contemporary blue morocco.
