Signé; Abbé Morellet ; M. Lémontey - Mémoires de l’abbé Morellet, de l’Académie française [avec L.A.S. de l'auteur] - 1821

Second edition largely original because it is significantly expanded, of the memoirs of Abbé André Morellet (1727–1819), covering the second half of the Enlightenment century and ending at the Consulate.

It includes, described with a very sharp pen, numerous portraits of characters from the philosophical party, historical and political considerations on certain contemporary writings, as well as letters from Malherbes, La Harpe, Raynal, Thomas, Chamfort, etc.

Uncommon and sought-after work that contains extensive information on literature, art, and politics during the second half of the 18th century.

Precious copy to which is attached a handwritten letter signed by Abbé Morellet, addressed to Monsieur Garnery, dated April 27, 1817: 'Sir, my nephew Mr. Marmontel is proposed to make an edition of his father's works, on which the law still retains rights for him. I have learned that you have some project to undertake the same endeavor, so I am sending you my nephew, to whom you will kindly disclose your intentions and rights to avoid any difficulties...'

Adorned with a portrait engraved of the author on the frontispiece by Massol, and with 5 figures after the original drawing sent by Franklin.
The work concludes with over 200 pages of supplement, notes, and supporting documents.

Antique binding, half green morocco, spine with raised bands, decorated with gold tools. Three gilded edges.

Bindings in very good condition, slight scuffs at the corners. Fresh interiors. A very beautiful copy.

André Morellet (1727–1819) was a French philosopher, writer, and economist, a figure of the Enlightenment. He contributed to the Encyclopédie and associated with the leading minds of his time, such as Voltaire, Diderot, and Turgot. Close to the Parisian intellectual circles, he was nicknamed 'the Abbot Bite-You' by Voltaire because of his sharp epigrams. He published works on philosophy, economics, and memoirs about the 18th century. A member of the Académie française from 1785, he lived through the Revolution and died in Paris in 1819.

Signed by; Abbé Morellet; M. Lémontey
Unpublished Memoirs of Abbé Morellet, of the French Academy, on the eighteenth century and on the Revolution; preceded by the Eulogy of Abbé Morellet by M. Lémontey.
Paris, Ladvocat, 1822
in-8 (8.5 x 5.3 inches); xix-472pp + 516pp