Traité de législation, ou, Exposition des lois généralies suivant lesquelles les peuples prospèrant, dépérissent, ou restent stationnaires
Paris: A. Sautelet, 1826-1827. First edition. 8vo. 4 volumes: xiv, 517; (4), 478; (4), 492; (4), 538 pp. Charles Comte (1782-1837) was a French journalist, professor of natural law, and author of works on law, political economy, and history; he also served in the French Parliament and was a key participant in the liberal movement in 19th century France. His Treatise on legislation had a profound impact on his generation of French liberals. In this work he applies the same method of study to the moral world that had been used successfully in describing the physical; it is divided into five sections, the first dealing with the various theoretical underpinnings of law, the second with the nature of law, the power of the legislator, and the limits of law, the third with human development, a study of the various races and their varying degree of success in "perfecting" themselves, the fourth with theories of climate and the origins of slavery, and the fifth with the institution of slavery itself, its influence on political development and prospects for abolition. Some foxing, but a very good copy. Somewhat later green quarter morocco and pebbled cloth, gilt ornaments, rules, and title on spines. (#5252). Item #58208
Price: $850.00