No place [Lausanne], 1577. 8vo. [76], (1)-1102 pp. plus a terminal blank leaf. Likely the first 8vo edition of this important work (first published in folio in Paris in 1576). With gift inscription in English and dated Feb 7 1749/50 on the recto of the front free endpaper. Full contemporary vellum over boards. Scuffed, with some small stains; a small paper loss to the front free endpaper, small worming in front and rear, bottom fore-edge of second leaf of the preface torn away (but with no loss of printing), with some scattered manuscript in ink to text, margins, and front and rear endpapers. Ex-library with book-plate on front paste-down and call number in pencil to same, as well as title-page. Adams B2233 (this edition); Brunet I, 1025 (giving Lausanne as place of publication for this printing). Offers the first systematic examination of the concept of sovereignty.