De l'importance des opinions religieuses par M. Necker

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.

Important work which revives the divergences and deep antagonism between Necker (Minister of Finance) and his successor Calonne, and seems to continue their correspondence published in 1787; this text of eighteen chapters marks a turning point in Necker's economic writings, hitherto focused exclusively on "the political advantage of the State"; indeed the author is more specifically interested in the links between religion and sovereignty, philosophy and morality. Joined by a manuscript letter in which the author - Abbé de Boismont - seems to vigorously condemn the role of the pastor, a veritable God in the eyes of his faithful.