78/3155 [Economics]. (Raynal, G.T.F.). Histoire Philosophique et Politique des Établissements et du Commerce des Européens dans les deux Indes. Amst., n.publ., 1770, 7 vols., 7 fold. engr. maps, contemp. unif. gilt hcalf, spines richly gilt w. 2 mor. letterpieces.

- Cut out engraving mounted opposite title-p. vol. 1; partly yellowed/ foxed; vol. 7 w. some underlining in col. pencil.

= Very rare early edition (first published in Amsterdam the same year, in four octavo volumes). Higgs 4994; cf. Einaudi 4648; Kress 6750; Sabin 68080; Peignot, Livres condamnés II, p.71; cf. Goldsmiths 12007 and Chadenat 1960 (both ed. Geneva, 1780). Sabin: "A large part of this work is said to have been written by Diderot, and others. The sentiments and criticisms contained in it prevented its publication in France (...). The book was condemned by the French parliament and church dignitaries, and Raynal was obliged to leave France." Borba de Moraes p.700: "Raynal's work had enormous repercussions in his time. It is rightly considered to be one of the books which most influenced the French Revolution. Raynal used extensively the advice and even the collaboration of Diderot, Holbach, and other contemporaries. (...) The work appeared in more than thirty editions in twenty years (...)." Blanqui p.76: "C'est lui qui a porté les premiers et les plus rudes coups à l'esclavage colonial."