Colbert

1673 · réf. 148440 — Paris: Chez les Associez choisis 1673. Legal absolutism in the age of the Sun King First edition of this important codification of French commercial law in a contemporary limp vellum binding. One of Colbert's principal legal achievements the Commercial Ordinance imposes uniform legislative practices for commercial cases introduces standardized regulations for business practices and makes interest upon interest illegal. Jean-Baptiste Colbert 1619-1683 Louis XIV's chief minister for 20 years dominated French legislation in the mid-17th century. As part of his vast programme of absolutist reform he drove a major codification and standardization of French law. The overdue need for legal reform combined with a spirit of absolutist uniformity as idiosyncratic local systems were brought under a centrally imposed framework. Bluche claims that "it would provide a model for the enlightened despots of the next century" pp. 136-7. Quarto 240 x 175 mm pp. viii 120 24. Woodcut royal device to title woodcut head- tailpieces and initials to contents. Contemporary limp vellum spine and front cover lettered in manuscript. Elaborate contemporary annotation to p. 73. Early 19th-century ink inscriptions on financial & accounting business to endpapers and rear cover. Light bumping and wear infrequent spotting to covers inner hinges split but holding firm minor foxing to contents otherwise fresh: a very good copy indeed. Goldsmiths' 2037. François Bluche Louis XIV 1990. hardcover