1778 – Important Defense of Islam & Persian Government | Duperron, First Edition

Législation Orientale by Abraham Anquetil-Duperron is a 1778 first edition defense of Persian and Islamic government systems. Duperron addresses misconceptions rooted in Enlightenment thought, confronting arguments by Michel Le Fevre and others who accused Islamic rulers of tyranny. Drawing from the traditions of Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and even Hindustan, Duperron describes the use of the Quran as a criminal and civil code, the importance of property ownership, as well as the need for Western Europe to uphold their end of treaties with Persia.

This particular example is beautifully bound in modern leather with silver gilt, bound in yellow, green, and purple marbled board.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Législation Orientale, ouvrage dans Lequel, en Montrant quels Sont
• Author(s): Abraham-Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron
• Publisher: Amsterdam, Marc-Michel Rey
• Edition: First edition, 1778
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Binding: Leather spine, marbled boards
• Size:  10.5 in x 8.5 in (26.7 cm x 21.6 cm)
• Collation: 312 pp
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Use of the Koran in civil and criminal law
  • Criticism of Michel Le Fevre’s political writings
  • Legal structures in Persia and Hindustan

Condition:

Near Fine. Rebound in modern leather spine with silver gilt title and marbled boards. Tight hinges. Pages clean and intact with only mild toning throughout. No tears or markings.

Why Collect This?

• First edition from a notable French Orientalist
• Stands apart for its rejection of European political bias
• Beautiful modern leather binding with fine, bright marbling

Item Number: # 29573