Lettres sur l’Italie en 1785. Tome Premier [-Second]. Rome, De Senne, 1788.
First Edition. Two volumes in one, 8vo, pp. [iii]- viii, 320; [iv], 320, marginal tear on II, 167, not affecting text, repaired, in contemporary quarter calf over blue boards, spine gilt in compartments, red and green morocco labels lettered and numbered in gilt, marbled endpapers.
An important account of Italy written in a series of one hundred and fifteen letters. A good number of subjects is covered in the course of the letters, from economics, social institutions and local customs to the natural and artistic beauty of Italy. Beginning in the south of France and approaching Italy via Geneva, the author works down the country through Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Rome and Naples. Mercier Dupaty was an academician and magistrate, who was responsible for carrying the enlightened ideas of Voltaire and Beccaria into the courts and reforming the French legal system. This work enjoyed a significant popularity, was frequently reprinted and was translated into English in the same year.
Cioranescu 26684.