MONTESQUIEU, Charles Secondat, Baron de (1689-1755). The Spirit of Laws. Thomas Nugent, translator. London: J. Nourse and P. Vaillant, 1750.

2 volumes, 8vo (194 x 121 mm). 1p. publisher's advertisement at end of vol.2. (Some light marginal browning to titles, front free endpaper starting in vol.1.) Contemporary speckled calf, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt-centerpieces (lettering-pieces removed, splitting to joints, old cellotape repairs to vol.1 joints, spines brittle). Provenance: David Ross, Lord Ankerville (1727-1805), an 18th-century Scottish lawyer and a Senator of the College of Justice (armorial bookplate).

FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of one of the most important works of political philosophy of the 18th century, printed just two years after the first edition published in Geneva. Montesquieu was the greatest theorist of the separation of powers and of checks and balances within government to prevent tyranny and promote liberty. In The Spirit of Laws, he outlines three types of government—republics, monarchies, and despotisms—and discusses how laws should be adapted to the principles that govern each, emphasizing the need for balance, especially through checks and balances among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. He warned, "There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice." Montesquieu's ideas profoundly influenced the American Founding Fathers. James Madison described him as "the celebrated Montesquieu" in The Federalist (see lot 299). "The United States Constitution in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated" (PMM 197).

[With:] MONTESQUIEU. Miscellaneous Pieces. London: D. Wilson and T. Durham, 1759. 8vo. Half-title. Contemporary speckled calf gilt. FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH. Contains several essays including The Analysis of the Spirit of Laws.

MONTESQUIEU, Charles Secondat, Baron de (1689-1755). The Spirit of Laws. Thomas Nugent, translator. London: J. Nourse and P. Vaillant, 1750.