Beschreibung
Small octavo. Pp. 151, (1) publisher's ad. Plus engraved frontispiece. handsome device to title, decorative head-pieces. Includes the "Explication du frontispice". HARDCOVER, bound in contemporary marbled boards, spine with crimson morocco label lettered in gilt, date gilt stamped on foot. Fine, handsome copy. ~ FIRST EDITION. Many later editions followed with various paginations, different layout, different publisher's device to title-page, etc. Some pirated editions joined the race, some appearing as "FIRST EDITION". Gabriel François, abbé Coyer, was a French man of letters and worldly cleric born in 1707. He entered the Society of Jesus, studying humanities and philosophy until he left the order in 1736. In 1741 he became private tutor to the young Duke of Bouillon (Prince of Turenne at the time). There followed public functions that saw him in attendance at some battles of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48). His many works include a history of the Polish king Jan Sobieski, travel accounts of Holland and Italy, a study of ancient religions, belles-lettres, and a popular attack on the guild system, Chinki. He became a member of the Royal Academy of England and the Academy of Nancy. It is said that when he visited Voltaire at Ferney and announced his desire to return each year for three months, Voltaire replied that whereas Don Quixote had mistaken inns for castles, Coyer was mistaking castles for inns. He died in 1782. (See Henry C. Clarke: "Commerce, Culture, and Liberty: Readings on Capitalism before Adam Smith", Indianapolis, 2003.) B-2. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 3412
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