Jacques NECKER

First edition. Carpenter, who compiled a bibliography of Necker's principal works (Economic Bestsellers before 1850), specifies that there were 7 issues of the first edition. The first contain errata and the following ones have the errors corrected. This edition contains errata in each volume, a folding table at the end of volume I with populations and contributions, a 3-page supplement at the end of volume II citing the 1784 edict on finances. This issue with different collation and smaller format is very rarely encountered.
Contemporary full blonde marbled sheep binding. Raised band spine decorated. Title and volume labels in beige calf. Small fragment of leather missing from the upper joint at the head of volume I. On the upper board of volume I, nibbling marks. A black stain on the volume label of volume I. A fragment of leather missing at the tail of volume III. Rubbing, particularly to corners. Paper generally relatively fresh, with beige matter on page 37 in volume I, which nevertheless leaves the characters visible. In the margin of each title page, manuscript name in ink, Victoire Corneillan. Handsome copy.
A major and unparalleled work of political economy, undoubtedly the only one presenting a state of the kingdom's finances before the Revolution. Originally a banker but appointed minister of finances during three periods (1777-1781, 1788-1789, 1789-1790), Necker remained famous for his opposition to physiocratic theses and his adherence to neo-mercantilism. He changed economic methods to restore France's finances, not by raising taxes but by increasing interest rates and taxes on imported goods.

Two editions appeared simultaneously with the same collation, one with the address of the hôtel de Thou and this one, presumably the privilege was given to both publishers for this first edition; it is illustrated with a portrait of the author as frontispiece by Louis-Joseph Duplessi engraved by Nicolas de Launay; some head- and tailpieces on wood.

 

Copy in original wrappers under pale pink temporary covers, spine with manuscript title. Half-title page torn at top as well as some dampstains; lacks at head, otherwise good copy.