Jean-Joseph Vilain XIIII (Vicomte) - Mémoire sur les moyens de corriger les malfaiteurs et fainéants à leur propre avantage et de les - 1775

[ANCIENT BOOK / HISTORY OF FLANDERS] Jean-Joseph Vilain XIIII - Memoir on the means of correcting miscreants and idlers to their own advantage and of making them useful to the state (Ghent, Pierre de Goesin, 1775)

Superb and rare original edition of this precious historical and economic memoir written by Viscount Jean-Joseph Vilain XIIII, a great promoter of prison reform and the fight against mendicity in the Austrian Netherlands. Printed in Ghent by Pierre de Goesin, printer to His Imperial, Royal & Apostolic Majesty, in 1775.

Content and plan of the work: This fundamental study details the organization, police, discipline, internal regulations and accounting of the famous Provincial House of Correction of Ghent (founded after the grant by Empress Maria Theresa). It is accompanied by extensive considerations on compulsory labor, the manufactures (spinning, weaving, drapery, herring fishing) and the eradication of mendicity.

Illustrations and plates: The copy is distinguished by the presence of superb folding plates printed off-text (geometric architectural plans of the house of correction, elevations of the buildings, inner courtyards, quarters of the detainees, refectories, etc., drawn by J.B. Malfeson and engraved by Bertaud). 4 double-page engravings and 268 pages.

Collation / Structure: Title page with arms and Latin motto, table of contents, introduction, and numerous technical and regulatory illustrated chapters.

Technical specifications

Author: Viscount Jean-Joseph Vilain XIIII.

Full title: Memoir on the means of correcting miscreants and idlers to their own advantage and of rendering them useful to the State.

Place of printing, Printer & Date: In Ghent, at Ghent by Pierre de Goesin, 1775.

Format / Dimensions: Quarto (approximately 28.5 x 23 cm).

Illustration: Title page engraved with armorial vignette, initials, banners and several large folding plates (plans and geometric elevations of the prison of Ghent).

Binding: Stab-bound / originally unbound under a plain paper cover of the period, edges untrimmed (raw state of issue).

Condition

Overall condition: Interior generally very fresh and well preserved, laid paper creases, some scattered foxing or typical signs of use. The folding plates are present and well preserved. The work is in its original state of issue (stapled without a rigid bound cover), offering an authentic bibliophilic testimony “as published.” A few loose pages that have detached.