53. [Manuscript / LANJUINAIS (Joseph)]. Le Monarque accompli

Lot n° 53

Go to lot

Estimation :

80 - 120 EUR

53. [Manuscript / LANJUINAIS (Joseph)]. Le Monarque accompli - Lot 53

53. [Manuscript / LANJUINAIS (Joseph)]. Le Monarque accompli. S.l.n.d., circa 1780. Format small quarto (21 x 16.5 cm), 256 p., marbled fawn basane, ornate ribbed spine, cold framing on boards. On the flyleaf, a hand has written "Le Monarque accompli" (The Accomplished Monarch), or at least we believe this is the appropriate title for this work. There is neither author's name nor preface at the head of this bound manuscript, because the copyists were in too much of a hurry not to get straight to the point". This is indeed a handwritten copy of Le Monarque accompli by Joseph Lanjuinais (circa 1730-1808), but it is more likely that the title is nowhere to be found, because this book, published abroad in 1774, nevertheless attracted the attention of Séguier, avocat général, who, on May 7, 1776, had it proscribed as seditious, i.e. dangerous to the established order. Lanjuinais used his eulogy to the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II to expound his philosophical ideas. He argues fervently for religious tolerance, the abolition of the death penalty and the condemnation of slavery: starting on page 80 of the manuscript, he violently denounces the miserable fate of slaves and the exploitation of people by shipowners to maintain their luxurious lifestyle. Binding worn, spine torn, headbands missing, corners worn, interior in good condition.

My orders

Sale information

Sales conditions

Return to catalogue

53. [Manuscript / LANJUINAIS (Joseph)]. Le Monarque accompli - Lot 53

We respect your privacy:

Cookie management: