Antoine-Yves Goguet - De l’origine des loix, des arts et des sciences - 3 Volumes (Complet avec Planches) - 1758

Author: Antoine-Yves Goguet (1716-1758)

Title: On the origin of laws, arts, and sciences; and their progress among the ancient peoples.

Editor: Pierre Gosse Junior, in The Hague.

Year of publication: 1758 (original edition published the same year in Paris).

Number of volumes: 3 (Complete: Tomes I, II, and III).

Description of the content:

A major work in the historiography of the Enlightenment, this book is one of the earliest attempts at a universal history of human progress. Goguet not only recounts battles but also analyzes the evolution of civilizations through their techniques: agriculture, architecture, weaving, and laws.
The work covers the history of the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks since the Flood.

Illustrations (Collated and Complete):

The copy is indeed complete with its notable leaflets, notably:

The three large chronological folding charts (one per volume, covering different eras).

• Engraved folding plates, including the famous comparative plate of plows (Egypt, Greece, France) and a plate of Egyptian obelisks with hieroglyphs.
Binding and Format

• Format: 17.5 x 10.5

Vintage reliquary in full marbled calf leather.

Backs with five nerves adorned with gilded boxes featuring floral motifs.

Title and headband pieces in morocco leather.

Red slices

Marbled paper guards.

Dedication to the Prince of Nassau-Weilbourg.

Condition:

Copy 'in its original condition', complete and solid, with usage flaws.

Interior: Very fresh. Well-white paper, with very few foxing spots. The engravings and fold-out plates are in excellent condition, without major tears. Old handwritten signature 'Garselly' on the title pages.

Exterior: Worn bindings. Head caps shaved or damaged (lack of leather) on Volumes I and II. Faded tail caps. Cracks in the spine in some areas, but the boards are holding well. Dull corners.

A reference edition from the 18th century, sought after for its pioneering anthropological approach. Despite some flaws on the heads, it is a highly desirable working copy because the interior and plates are perfectly preserved. 2 kg.