Histoire Secrète de la Cour de Berlin, ou Correspondance d’un Voyageur François, 1786-1787, by Le Comte de Mirabeau, 1789

A scarce first edition of Histoire secrète de la cour de Berlin (1789) by Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, one of the most influential and controversial figures of the late Enlightenment. Written in the form of a series of letters by a "French traveller" the work offers a sharply observed and often critical account of the Prussian court in the final years following the death of Frederick the Great, blending political commentary with personal observation. Published in London, likely to avoid censorship, the book reflects the volatile intellectual climate on the eve of the French Revolution, and stands as an important example of Mirabeau's early political thought and literary skill. An engaging and historically significant work from a pivotal moment in European history.

Histoire secrète de la cour de Berlin, ou correspondance d’un voyageur françois, depuis le mois de juillet 1786 jusqu’au 19 janvier 1787. Ouvrage posthume. Avec une lettre remise au roi de Prusse régnant, le jour de son avènement au trône. Par le comte de Mirabeau.

A Londres, chez S. Bladon, dans Paternoster Row. M.DCC.LXXXIX.

English translation...

Secret History of the Court of Berlin, or Correspondence of a French Traveller, from the month of July 1786 to 19 January 1787. Posthumous work. With a letter presented to the reigning King of Prussia on the day of his accession to the throne. By Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau.

Printed for S. Bladon, in Paternoster Row, London. 1789 first edition, London issue (S. Bladon imprint), one of several near-contemporary issues produced at the time of first publication.

In two volumes, complete.

A very good set of 2 hardback volumes, bound with mottled leather spines, with gilt rules and red morocco title labels. With marbled paper over boards and leather corners. Covers a little rubbed and worn, and the marbling lightly faded, but a presentable set of two scarce volumes.

Provenance: From the library at Rossie Priory, the Perthshire seat of the Kinnaird family, Lords Kinnaird, a distinguished Scottish family with a long tradition of public service and influence in both political and intellectual life. Members of the family were active in Parliament and played notable roles in nineteenth-century reform movements, contributing to the cultural and civic landscape of Scotland. Both volumes with Kinnaird bookplate to the first pastedowns.

Text is very good indeed - bright and clean throughout.

Text in French.

Vol. I: xv + 357pp; 

Vol. II: (half title and full title) + 362pp.