Rousseau, J.J. Émile, ou de l'éducation

The Hague, J. Neaulme, 1762, first edition, 4 vols., all vols. w. engr. frontisp., vol. 1 w. one other engr. plate (all plates after Eisen). Contemp. unif. mottled calf (acid bindings), gilt spines w. 2 mor. letterpieces. Occas. spotting/ vague waterst., spines rubbed, 2 letterpieces lacking and one dam., upper joints of vol. 1 and 2 splitting. Still a good set of the first edition. The very significant and influential work (considered by Rousseau himself to be his best) was immediately banned in Paris and Geneva (on the title-pages the author proudly states that he is a "Citoyen de Genève") and publicly burned in 1762. It was subsequently placed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum. During the French Revolution, it was used in discussions on the organisation of public educaton. Added: 4 others in 7 vols., incl. Les lettres de messire Roger de Rabutin (Paris/ Amst., F. and P. Delaulne/ G. Gallet, 1797-98, 3 vols.; and Oeuvres de Chaulieu. The Hague, Gosse Jr., 1777, 2 vols. (volume 1 back cover detached); the others odd vols.

(total 5 in 11 vols.)