Jean-Francois Marmontel - Belisarius

London, P. Vaillant & G. Robinson, 1773. Leather. An attractive copy of Jean-Francois Marmontel historical work on the life and times of the Byzantine military leader, Belisarius. Translated into English from the original French. Despite writing tragedies and operas in his early career, Marmontel became a historian later on in his life, and was appointed professor of history at the Lycée in 1786. He was also a member of the French Academy. Later reduced to poverty by the revolution, he wrote a memoir which John Stuart Mill credited with curing him of depression.This copy is from the library of Robert Chambré Vaughan, and includes his bookplate to the front pastedown.Entitled 'Belisaire' in the original French, the work was incredibly controversial. The work made bold comparisons between Belisarius' decline into poverty at the hand of his king, Justinian I, and the, then, current French monarch Louis XV, and his treatment of his people. Furthermore, the French ecclesiastical authorities were angered by the works perpetuation of the the virtues of religious tolerance. These factors resulted in the work being banned in France. Not only a interesting history of this Byzantine military leader, this work is also valuable as it touches upon the political climate of 18th century France. In a full calf binding. Externally very smart with just minor rubbing to the extremities of the boards and light shelfware. There is a bookplate to the front pastedown, and a contemporary ink signature to the title page. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with only the occasional spot or stain. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .

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