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25 BOTERO, Giovanni. Della Ragion di Stato, Libri Dieci. Venice: Appresso I Gioliti, 1589 Contemporary Italian binding First edition, including Botero’s most important contribution to political philosophy, in an attractive, well-preserved contemporary Italian binding. Botero’s work is in two parts, the first his treatise on statecraft entitled “The Reason of State”. Botero provides an extended discussion of the moral question of acting in the state’s best interests and offers a direct rebuttal to the ideas espoused by Machiavelli. A champion of the counter- reformation, Botero seeks to reground political philosophy in religion, and affirms the need for morality in statecraft, both on religious grounds but also on grounds of expediency. The second part, “On the Causes of the Greatness and Magnificence of Cities”, had originally been published in Rome the previous year. In a radical departure from previous Renaissance literature on cities, Botero attempts to explain why some cities prosper and others decline, analysing the impact of the environment and human factors in promoting urban population growth. The author utilises recent reports by travellers and missionaries to the east to include non- European cities into his analysis. Overall the work is practical, and has been commended by modern sociologists as a pioneer in the field; unlike some of his contemporaries, Botero does not trace out a blueprint for an ideal urban community, but studies cities as they actually are. His analysis of the impact of resources on population size has led numerous commenters to see his work as a forerunner of Malthusian ideas. Quarto (217 × 160 mm). Contemporary Italian sprinkled sheep-backed pasteboards, geometric design in blind to spine and covers. Woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. Contemporary Italian annotations in margins. 3 small insect holes to spine, covers lightly marked, front cover slightly abraded, extremities a little worn, hinges slightly
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cracked, book block loosening, more pronounced in initial signatures, some light blemishes to contents, very faint running stain in gutter, final leaf re-inserted. Overall a very good copy. ¶ Adams B2548; Goldsmiths’ 248; Robert Birley’s introduction to the Cambridge University Press’s translation of Ragion di Stato ; Geoffrey Symcox’s introduction to the University of Toronto Press’s translation of Grandezza e Magnificenza Delle Città . £5,500 [124167] 26 BOULAINVILLIERS, Henri de. Etat de la France, dans lequel on voit tout ce qui regarde le gouvernment ecclesiastique, le militaire, la justice, les finances . . . & en general tout ce qui peut faire connôitre à fond cette Monarchie. London: T. Wood & S. Palmer, 1727–28 A vast survey of the ancien régime First edition of Boulainvilliers’ administrative survey of France, providing an essential account of the political and social structure of the Ancien Régime. The frankness with which he laid bare the causes of the financial distress of France ensured his works were often prohibited there, and most were not published until after his death, as here. His work has recently been re-evaluated as an early work of French nationalism, focusing on the nation as opposed to the kingdom, and portraying an ancient, inalienable Frankish constitution which Bourbon absolutism was undermining (Bell, pp. 57–9). 3 volumes, folio (348 × 222 mm). Contemporary mottled calf, expertly rebacked and recornered to style, spines gilt in compartments, twin red morocco labels, red speckled edges. Engraved folding map of France
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