Du contrat social – Jean-Jacques Rousseau – 1792 | Political Philosophy

Du Contrat Social, or The Social Contract, by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is one of the most important works on political science: social norms and the legitimate authority of politics and law. Rousseau concludes a portion of this work with the quote “force does not create right, reminding the reader that being able to coerce someone does not legitimize power.

This work helped inspire and create political reforms in Europe, particularly France. Rousseau argued for democracy in lieu of a more oppressive aristocracy or monarchy.

This 1792 edition includes the full text of The Social Contract, followed by Considérations sur le gouvernement de Pologne et sur sa réformation projetée. It was also published in Evreux, a city not known for large print runs of iconic French literature.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Du contrat social : ou, Principes du droit politique, suivi des Considérations sur le gouvernement de Pologne, et sur sa réformation projetée
• Author(s): Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Publisher: A Evreux, Chez J.J.L. Angelle
• Edition: 1792 edition
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  6.5 in x 4 in (16.5 cm x 10 cm)
• Collation: 432 pp
• Illustrations: Portrait frontispiece
• Contents Include:
  • Du contrat social, ou Principes du droit politique
  • Considérations sur le gouvernement de Pologne et sur sa réformation projetée

Condition:

The book is in Very Good condition overall. Full leather binding remains tight and secure, with some rubbing at the corners and a slight loss at the bottom of the spine. The portrait frontispiece and text block are complete and sound.

Why Collect This?

• Important Enlightenment text influencing the French Revolution
• Includes Rousseau’s Polish reform essay alongside the Social Contract
• Original full leather binding with period portrait frontispiece
• Sought after by collectors of political philosophy and revolutionary history

Item Number: #29378