Printing and the Mind of Man, 197

MONTESQUIEU, Charles Secondat, baron de. 

The Spirit of Laws

"Montesquieu's theories underlay the thinking which led up to the American and French Revolutions, and the United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated."

                     — Printing and the Mind of Man, 197

First edition in English of one of the central works in western political thought.  The first edition in English of this work is of particular importance as Montesquieu's thought had an immense influence in the English speaking nations, and most especially in America.

London: J. Nourse and P. Vaillant, 1750.  Two Volumes, octavo.  Contemporary speckled calf, raised bands, spine ornamented in gilt, double orange and green leather labels; small chip to spine label of volume I, small chip to spinie head of volume II; internally clean and bright.  A fine copy. $11,000