La Rochefoucauld, Louis-Alexandre, Duc de

Exposition abrégée de L'Histoire du Gouvernement, des Moeurs, Usages et Loix de la République de Genêves. [With: 5 accounts of trips to Lyon, a work on glaciers, and an account of a dream]. No place, third quarter 18th century

Manuscript, 8vo (7 1/8 x 4 3/8 in.; 180 x 112 mm), written in an elegant cursive hand in brown ink, engraved title border (title left blank), dedicatory letter to his mother the Duchesse d'Enville, contents leaf of the first work, 189 pp., 1 contents leaf for the whole volume, bibliographical notes tipped in to front flyleaf. Contemporary red morocco, triple-fillet border, spine gilt with goldstamped title "Oeuvres Divers".

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A fine manuscript by the Duc de la Rochefoucauld (1743-1792), known for his liberal tendencies toward the Third Estate, here demonstrating his interest in Geneva, in travel, in natural history, completed by a French translation of M. Tronchin's academic discourse given at the distribution of prizes.

The Exposition, written in 1762,  is based on the work of George Keate, A Short Account of the ancient history, present Government and laws of the Republic of Geneva (London: 1761).  His Voyage aux glacières de Savoie, which he carried out with three young Genevans in 1762, was first published in 1893. A manuscript of similar content is extant at Paris, BN, ms. fr.  14657.