VOLTAIRE, François-Marie Arouet known as. La Philosophie de l’histoire, par feu Mr. l’abbé Bazin.

True first edition. It is uncommon.

Bengesco no. 1164, I.p.334; Cat. B.N. Voltaire no. 3080; Le Petit, 554.

La Philosophie de l’Histoire or “the lessons that history teaches philosophers,” written to instruct Madame du Châtelet, became a comprehensive introduction to the “Essay on the Manners and Spirit of Nations,” dedicated to Catherine II of Russia.

Published under the pseudonym Bazin, it is a collection of curious historical questions concerning India, China, the Jews, angels, popular prejudices, and geniuses.

It was condemned and banned in France in 1765.

A beautiful copy preserved in its contemporary spotted calf binding.