Oeuvres de Monsieur De Voltaire; Élémens de Philosophie de Newton, A Neuchatel, 1772

This is a well-preserved 1772 printing of Éléments de la Philosophie de Newton (originally published 1738) – Voltaire’s accessible interpretation of Newtonian physics for a French-speaking, non-specialist audience. Blending science, philosophy, and subtle criticism of religious orthodoxy, it was a key vehicle for promoting rationalism and empirical thought in pre-Revolutionary Europe.

Oeuvres de Monsieur De Voltaire (Monsieur de V***, from title page); Élémens de Philosophie de Newton, Divisés en Trois Parties. Nouvelle Édition.

Published 'A. Neuchatel; (Switzerland), 1772. During this period, books designated as being from Neuchatel were either genuinely printed in Neuchâtel or issued under a pseudonymous imprint to disguise its true (often French) origin. Voltaire, though based at Ferney near Geneva, often arranged for his works to be printed in Neuchâtel because it lay outside French jurisdiction, offering protection from censorship; the local presses were both reliable and philosophically sympathetic; and the location allowed for discreet yet widespread dissemination of Enlightenment ideas across Europe.

In this case, this book is almost certainly a genuine Swiss printing, most likely from the Fauche presses. Neuchâtel was a genuine publishing centre for Voltaire in the 1760s–1770s. He maintained close ties with the Fauche brothers, who were key figures in publishing his Œuvres complètes.

A very good hardback bound in full contemporary speckled calf. With raised bands to spine with burgundy morocco label with gilt titles. Small library reference sticker near tail of spine. Covers with some wear, rubbing and bumping, and head and tail of spine worn at extremities, but overall in good shape for an 18th Century binding. Soundly bound. The spine is rather rubbed and gilt tooled decoration is quite worn. Endpapers with previous owner's name 'Anthony Murray'. Marbled endpapers.

Text is bright and clean throughout with minimal wear. With red toned text block edges. With illustrations within the text.

A complete and desirable example of an important early work in popularising Newton’s natural philosophy, and an uncommon imprint.

Text in French.

514pp.

Dimensions: 

Approximately 173mm high x 105mm wide x 32mm deep.

Weight approximately 366g (unpacked).