LOLME, Jean Louis de (1740--1806)
[Constitution de l'Angleterre. English. 1793]
The constitution of England; or, an account of the English government; in which it is compared, both with the republican form of government, and the other monarchies in Europe. By J.L. de Lolme, advocate, ... A new edition, corrected.
London (Place), printed for G.G.J. & J. Robinson, and J. Murray,, 1793.
[8], xvi, 522, [18] p., engr. front. port. ; 20.9 cm. (8º)

The French original was first published in 1771 and the English translation in 1775. The translation is by Gilbert Stuart (identified by William Zachs, see his: Without Regard to Good Manners A Biography of Gilbert Stuart, 1743--1786, Edinburgh, 1992). The frontispiece by Heath after Stoddart is dated 6 July 1784, when the fourth revised edition was published. De Lolme's book became the principal authority on the English constitution alongside Blackstone's Commentaries (q.v.) and was influential in the dissemination of the political theory of Montesquieu in Britain and the United States. ESTC t110402.

Copy Notes Bookseller's annotations in pencil on the frontispiece, cropped at the head.

Binding Early C19th tree calf, gilt double-ruled spine, black morocco spine-label, reading 'De Lolme on the Constitution'. A bill for 2s. 3d. from Edward Lawrence for binding, 1802 (Spiers Box).

Reference Number 193

Additional Names Stuart, Gilbert (1743--1786)