Important Enlightenment pamphlet by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, written in response to the condemnation of Émile and Du Contrat Social by the Archbishop of Paris, Christophe de Beaumont. In this work Rousseau defends his religious and philosophical views and challenges ecclesiastical authority, making it one of his key polemical texts. Published in Amsterdam by Marc Michel Rey, Rousseau’s principal publisher and one of the most important disseminators of Enlightenment thought in the 18th century. This edition dates from 1763, the year following Rousseau’s exile and the banning of several of his works in France. Bound in full contemporary or early leather, spine with gilt fleur-de-lys ornaments and red morocco title label. Marbled endpapers. Complete. Condition: Solid binding. General age-related wear. Minor foxing, staining and browning to preliminary leaves. Some edge wear and corner wear. No missing pages. A scarce and desirable original 18th-century Rousseau work, suitable for collectors of Enlightenment philosophy, political history, and early modern French literature.