Platon

Best.-Nr. elala3432 — Amsterdam: Marc Michel Rey 1769. First Edition in French translated by Jesuit priest Jean Nicolas Grou 1731-1803 of Plato’s last work left uncompleted at his death. As opposed to the ideal state described in his Republic the Laws presents a practical plan for a ‘second best’ constitution and state. “Under it the elite may possess modest estates and private families are allowed. The lower ranks of society now have some political rights and powers though careful regulations ensure that they will not attain political control. The rulers though decently educated are not required to be philosophers. The women are not warriors. Much of the Laws is a sort of Blue Book in which detailed rules and regulations are laid down for the conduct of elections legal proceedings religious ceremonies markets schools and irrigation…In its concrete legal social and administrative prescriptions…students of Greek history and politics can find a good deal of interest. For inevitably Plato sometimes copies and often just improves on laws regulations codes customs and expedients already obtaining in Athens or other Greek states. Political actualities can be read through Plato’s political recommendations…”. Encycl. of Philosophy. 2 Volumes. 8vo. pp. xiv 2368 2ads; 2 p.l. 502 1ads. with half-title in Vol. II. wood-engraved title vignettes & tailpieces. contemporary calf gilt backs joints partly cracked lacking 2 spine labels some light foxing some gatherings lightly embrowned Amsterdam: Marc Michel Rey, 1769 unknown