Heading: (French Alliance in American Revolution)
Author:
Title: Essais Politiques sur l'État Actuel de quelques Puissances par M. R. C. B. [bound with] Extrait du Journal d'un Officier de la Marine de l'Escadre de M. Le Comte D'Estaing
Place Published:
Publisher:
Date Published: Various dates
Description:

Includes two books in one volume:

• 
  [Rutledge (Chevalier Jean Jaques).]. Essais Politiques sur L'état Actuel de Quelques Puissances par M. R. C. B. xvi, 211 [1] pp., 3 folding plates. London [ i.e. Geneve], 1777.


• 
  Comte d'Estaing. Extrait du Journal d'un Officier de la Marine de L'escadre de M. Le Comte D'Estaing. [2], 158 pp. N. p., [1782].

Both bound in (8vo), 19.8x12 cm (7¾x4¾"), contemporary mottled brown leather, red edges, spine decorated in gilt, dark red spine label.

The first work is, by Jean Jacques Rutledge (1742-1794), an influential French Revolutionary and Club of the Cordeliers member. He made use of the writings of James Harrington to boost the republican cause in France. Rutledge was especially interested in Harrington's 'democratic ideas', including those of equality and focus on local politics. Rutledge tried throughout his life to bring about a Anglo-French reconciliation: "Although the English and the French are naturally enemies (...) One can and, consequently, one must reconcile the political rivalry with an olive branch". (French Revolutionaries and English Republicans, p. 87). The essay was written published after America declared its independence. The second work, written by an officer of the Squadron commanded by comte d'Estaing, sent from France in 1778 to aid the American patriots, describes the naval operations and battles in America during the Revolutionary war. The work details the encounter with the British fleet near Newport, the attack of Savannah of 1779, etc. This work shows the French alliance in the American Revolution. D'estaing was later executed during the French Revolution on suspicions of sympathy with the royal family. d'Estaing; No portrait, as else stated in Sabin. Sabin 74486, 23033.

Spine and edges rubbed, front hinge cracked, bit of staining throughout; very good or better.