Voltaire - Histoire du Parlement de Paris - 1769

Rare work from this historical and political study in which the Enlightenment philosopher traces the evolution of the most important court of justice in the Kingdom of France from its medieval origins to its era, while analyzing its role in the complex relationships between the monarchy, justice, the nobility and French society -

Faithful to his historical method based on the critical examination of facts and the rejection of legendary narratives, Voltaire sets out to show how the Parliament of Paris, initially a simple emanation of royal authority charged with rendering justice in the name of the sovereign, gradually transformed into a powerful institution wielding considerable influence over the kingdom’s public affairs -

The author describes the circumstances of its formation under the early Capetians, its internal organization, the distribution of its chambers, the functions of its magistrates and the evolution of its judicial powers over the centuries -

He examines the great conflicts that opposed the Parliament to the kings of France, notably during dynastic crises, civil wars, religious quarrels and administrative reforms, showing how this institution sometimes sought to defend the kingdom’s fundamental laws while pursuing its own corporate interests -

Voltaire - History of the Parliament of Paris - 1769 -
ppt. (4) 364.

Average condition of the binding, work in its full original blue-bound marbled calf, wear from use, front hinge split with half of the board detaching, toppers damaged with loss, corners worn, back hinge split, foxing on the edges, blue marbled edges, smooth spine decorated, gilded title on morocco label -

Good interior condition, some stains, multiple wormholes, beautiful vignette on title page, fly leaves in decent condition, modern ex-libris, good copy -

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