Rare first edition (cf. Sabin 28075).
The CCFr records only 2 copies: Paris (BnF) and Saint-Geniez-d'Olt (Aveyron).
Spine discreetly restored, small corner losses to soiled boards, author's name crossed out in ink on the title page, some foxing.
This study, intended to reconcile the interests of France, the Black population, and the planters in the question of the emancipation of slaves, comprises the following sections: I. Usefulness of the colonies. – II. Opposing influences on the colonies. – III. Systems [of emancipation]. – IV. Compensation. – V. Religious means. – VI. Present moral state of the colonies. – VII. Free labor. – VIII. The mulattoes. – IX. Comparison between various forms of slavery.
Opposed to the immediate abolition of slavery, the author emphasizes the role of religion in achieving the emancipation of Black people. A journalist and polemicist writer, Gougenot des Mousseaux (Coulommiers, 1805 – ibid. 1876) is known for his works on magic, esotericism, and secret societies.
An ultramontane Catholic, antisemitic and legitimist, he opposed political and dynastic Orléanism.