- 158
Helvétius, Claude-Adrien
Estimate
500 - 700 GBP
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Description
- Le vrai sens du système de la nature. London [Maestricht: Dufour & Roux], 1774, half-title; bound after:
- Paper
HOLBACH, PAUL THIRY, BARON D'. Le bon sens ou idées naturelles opposées aux idées surnaturelles. London, 1774, additional frontispiece portrait of Holbach
2 works in one volume, 8vo (197 x 127mm.), contemporary citron morocco gilt, gilt fillets on sides, flat spine gilt "à la grotesque" with olive morocco lettering-piece, gilt edges, marbled endpapers, some light browning, repairs to final blank and lower endpaper, joints rubbed, the upper joint slightly torn at foot
2 works in one volume, 8vo (197 x 127mm.), contemporary citron morocco gilt, gilt fillets on sides, flat spine gilt "à la grotesque" with olive morocco lettering-piece, gilt edges, marbled endpapers, some light browning, repairs to final blank and lower endpaper, joints rubbed, the upper joint slightly torn at foot
Provenance
Fermier-Général Antoine-Charles Sanlot de Bospin, bookplate
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
One of three editions dated 1774 with false London imprints of Helvétius's treatise on atheistic materialism which brings together the chief philosophical questions on the existence of God, suicide, freedom and so on. It was placed on the Index on 18 August 1775. Holbach's equally galvanizing work was first published in Amsterdam by M.M. Rey in 1772. It too was condemned and burned by the Parlement de Paris on 10 January 1774.