Montesquieu, Charles de Secondat.

2 volumes, 4to (249 x 182mm.), half-titles, contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments, without errata leaf at end of vol. 1, some minor worming and slight staining to vol 1, bindings rubbed

Henry Reginald Courtenay (1741-1803), bishop of Exeter, bookplates; The Earls of Devon

Goldsmiths 8375; Kress 4920; Tchemerzine VIII, 459; PMM 197

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

first edition of one of the most important and innovative works of political philosophy and "one of one of the most remarkable works of the eighteenth century" (PMM).

The work encompasses law, government, economics and religion, as well as famously following Hippocrates in arguing that climate defines national character. Montesquieu's theories came in for sufficient contemporary criticism (indeed it was placed on the Index) for him to produce a Defence de l'espirit in 1750. Posterity has judged Montesquieu's work kindly and it is widely thought to prefigure the thinking behind the French and American Revolutions. As PMM puts it, "the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated". This true first edition is distinguishable from a Parisian counterfeit edition by the spelling of the printer's name with two 'r's on the title-page.