12 pp. 8vo (199 x 134 mm.), attractive modern marbled wrappers. Paris: Bénard & Narjot, 1810.

A very scarce catalogue, with nearly all prices in a contemporary hand, dispersing the collection of prints assembled by the philosophe and disciple of Diderot. Naigeon (1738-1810), a professed atheist, editor of a large number of clandestine works, and translator of Greek and Roman texts, was a close friend of Diderot and d’Holbach, editing many of their books.

This catalogue lists 54 lots, with prints by Audran, An. Carracci, Desnoyers, van Dyck, Poilly, Rembrandt, Edelinck, Nanteuil, etc. Lot 48 comprises a portrait drawing of Diderot by Vanloo... More

16 pp. Small 8vo, self-bound. Altdorf: F.X. Z’graggen, 1831.

A very rare pamphlet on political freedom by Geiger (1755-1843), a Catholic priest and professor of theology in Lucerne. In 1788, he conspired with the Marquis de Vérac to restore Louis XVI to the throne. After being released from his professorship, Geiger became a journalist and wrote numerous polemical pieces on church history, Catholicism, and contemporary political issues including free speech. He founded the Schweizerische Kirchenzeitung, a Catholic theological periodical, which began publication in 1832 and is still issued.

In the present work, he offers a concise history of liberty from the time of the ancient Greeks to its contemporary manifestations in France and Germany. More

28 pp. Small 8vo, self-bound. Luzern: J. M. Anich, 1828.

First edition of this rare speech by Pfyffer (1794-1875), Swiss jurist and politician, who served as president of the Swiss National Council and mayor of Lucerne. He was a prominent figure within the Lucerne Liberals, which transformed Swiss politics in the early 19th century. The present speech discusses the role of the press and free speech in Switzerland and was given in advance of negotiations within Switzerland’s Federal Diet.

Fine copy of a work for which WorldCat locates no copy in North America. More