[Rarebooks] fs: Frenchman attempts Peace, 1765

[Joslin Hall Rare Books, ABAA]

[Argenson, Rene-Louis de Voyer de Paulmy, marquis d'] CONSIDERATIONS SUR
LE GOUVERNEMENT ANCIEN ET PRESENT DE LA FRANCE.

Amsterdam; Marc Michel Rey: 1765.

A survey of French political history, with information on the diplomatic
relations between France and other countries, by one of the greatest
unsung and unluckiest reformers in 18th century France.

The Marquis d'Argenson (1694-1757) was a councilor at Parliament and
councilor of State, in which post he developed a reputation for being
conscientious and well-meaning, but incapable of the intrigue which
swirled through the French court. He had attended the Jesuit college
Louis-le-grand with Voltaire, and remained a friend of both Voltaire and
his reformist circles. He wrote, but did not publish, this history around
1743-44, just before being appointed French Foreign Minister. A man who
dreamed big dreams, the Marquis endeavored to reform the system of
international relations. His dream was for nothing less than a "European
Republic", with France perhaps acting as an impartial arbiter of
international disputes. He also advocated a federation of Italian states.

At the same time, however, he found himself involved in the War of
Austrian Succession, along with his brother, the Secretary of War.
Although Voltaire declared the Marquis to be "the best citizen that had
ever tasted the ministry", intrigues and secret schemes hatched by French
generals, courtiers and the King himself were simply too much for this
high-principled man who spent more time working for international harmony
than watching his back.

He was dismissed by the King in 1747, and spent the rest of his life
writing his Memoirs, associating with the Encyclopedists and other
reformers, and happily functioning as President of the Academy of
Inscriptions. His son published several of his manuscripts after his
death, including this one in Amsterdam in 1764. This is a pirated edition
actually (despite to Amsterdam imprint) printed in Paris. There are many
typographical errors in the French, including, most prominently,
"gouvernement" miss-spelt as gouvernemnet" on the title-page.

Hardcover. 5"x8", xvi + 328 pages, engraved vignette on the title-page.
Bound in full contemporary polished calf, spine gilt, all edges red.
Hand-marbled endpapers. Some very minor wear, but overall a very nice
copy. [01948] $450.00

Illustrations-
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