FREDERICK II OF PRUSSIA. Works of the Philosopher of Sans-So - Lot 163

FREDERICK II OF PRUSSIA. Works of the Philosopher of Sans-Souci. Amsterdam, J. H. Schneider, 1760. In-12. Original binding in tobacco-colored half-maroquin with corner pieces; spine decorated with gilt fillets; title label. This edition was published during the lifetime of Frederick II of Prussia (1712–1786), the philosopher-ruler of the Enlightenment, known as the “Philosopher of Sanssouci,” after the famous palace in Potsdam where he entertained scholars, artists, and men of letters. An admirer of French thought and a frequent correspondent with Voltaire, Frederick II was one of the leading figures of European enlightened despotism. This collection brings together several of his philosophical, poetic, and satirical writings, composed in French. It reflects the critical spirit, irony, and intellectual concerns that characterize the literary work of the King of Prussia, bearing witness to the considerable influence exerted by Enlightenment philosophy on the European courts of the 18th century. The volume is illustrated with an engraved frontispiece depicting a bust of Frederick II in an allegorical setting inspired by the Sanssouci Palace. This edition is among the first printings circulated during the author’s lifetime and offers an interesting insight into the reception of his philosophical writings. Copy in an antique binding. The binding is heavily scuffed with significant losses along the spine, damaged caps, and weakened joints. Some foxing and signs of wear. The interior remains complete and is in good reading condition. A representative work of Enlightenment philosophical literature and of the singular figure of Frederick II, sovereign, writer, and patron of the arts, whose writings remain a valuable testament to 18th-century European intellectual culture.