‎(CHASTELLUX, F.J. DE.)‎
‎De la félicité publique, ou considérations sur le sort des hommes dans les différentes époques de l'histoire. Nouvelle édition, augmentée de notes inédites de Voltaire.‎

‎A Paris, Chez A.A. Renouard, 1822. 2 volumes. (4), 350 pp.; (4), 332 pp. 8vo. Contemporary half calf, spines gilt in compartments, gilt lettering, paper covered boards, corners. Not in Kress (cf.: 7197); not in INED (cf.: 1075); Goldsmiths 23385; Einaudi 1038. 'Chastellux's analysis of American society was both more searching and influential. A member of the French Academy, one of the founders of the social sciences, and major general on Rochambeau's staff, he was easily the foremost intellectual in the French forces in America. In ..... De la Félicité, he had sought to determine whether "society is susceptible, if not of perfection, at least amelioration," that is, of an increase in human felicity. (.....) The only possible answer was in social reform. The function of government, he posited, was to achieve "the greatest happiness of the greatest number." Man must create through the free and enlightened use of his reason a liberal government midway between the extremes of pure democracy and pure absolutism, based upon a true understanding of economic principles (Physiocracy), which would guarantee a high standard of living, adequate leisure, and the right to private property. In this work Chastellux had cited America as an example of man's ability to progress through liberty, reason, equality and agriculturism" (See at length: D. Echeverria, Mirage in the West, p. 110-14). - Somewhat paperspotted, handwritten ownership's entry "Ges. Gobin jeune" on verso front free flyleaf. ‎

Reference : 15622

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