Daniel Barjeton - Lettres – Ne repugnate vestro bono - 1751

EXTREMELY RARE FIRST EDITION

[BARJETON, Daniel]. Lettres. Ne repugnate vestro bono…

Extremely rare first edition of this pamphlet directed against ecclesiastical immunities, written by Daniel Barjeton, a lawyer from Uzès.

The work comprises four letters, together with the Remonstrances du Clergé, présentées au Roy, le 24 août 1749 au sujet de la levée du Vingtième. Although the title, taken from a quotation by Seneca, is printed in Latin, the text is entirely in French.

The work is of particular historical importance in the context of the relationship between the French Crown and the clergy in the eighteenth century. It was condemned in June 1750 and placed on the Index in January 1751. An Arrest du Conseil d’État du Roy ordered the destruction of the work, a circumstance which helps explain the great rarity of surviving copies.

One volume, 8vo (8 ½ x 5 ⅛ in.; 215 x 130 mm), in contemporary mottled calf, spine with raised bands and gilt decoration, red morocco lettering-piece, red edges. [4]–25–[1 bl.]–195–[1 bl.]–24–[4]–28–38 pages, complete.

PROVENANCE: Pierre Théodore Noël du Payrat (1761–1832), Counsellor to the King, jurist and bibliophile from Périgord, seigneur de Razat. Library label mounted on the front pastedown.

Light rubbing to the binding, headcap slightly worn, corners lightly bumped. A few scattered spots and minor foxing. Pages 77–78 bound between pages 68 and 69, without loss of text. Very well preserved overall.

A very rare and historically significant copy of this first edition, complete and exceptionally well preserved in its contemporary binding, with the distinguished provenance of the library of Pierre Théodore Noël du Payrat.