MONTLOSIER (François-Dominique de Reynaud, Count of). — A Tr - Lot 211

MONTLOSIER (François-Dominique de Reynaud, Count of). — A Treatise for Consideration on a Religious and Political System Aimed at Overthrowing Religion, Society, and the Throne. Paris: Ambroise Dupont and Roret, Moutardier and Company, 1826. 8vo, brown half-basane with small corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, gilt title, marbled paper covers, red-speckled edges. 339 pp. Sixth edition, published the same year as the first edition. The considerable success and, above all, the fierce controversy sparked by this text led to an extremely rapid succession of editions throughout the year 1826; the BnF lists several of them, including a seventh edition that was revised, corrected, and expanded. An important political and religious text from the Restoration period in which François-Dominique de Reynaud de Montlosier (1755–1838) denounces the growing influence of religious congregations, and particularly that of the Jesuits, whom he regards as a threat to state authority and the stability of the monarchy. The work had a considerable impact during the reign of Charles X and remains a document emblematic of the major political and religious controversies of the Restoration. A copy of the Paris edition, with a note on the reverse of the half-title page indicating distribution in Brussels: “In Brussels, at Grignon, Baudouin Brothers.” The binding is rubbed; the joints and spine show signs of wear and small imperfections from use; the paper of the covers is quite heavily rubbed with some surface losses; the corners are worn. There are a few foxing spots and scattered stains inside. Nevertheless, the volume is structurally sound and complete in its original binding.