Œuvres de J.-J. Rousseau — Antique 1819 Paris Edition, Collected Works with Engravings - 16 of 20 Volumes

This is an early nineteenth-century Paris edition of the collected works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment and a foundational voice in modern political and social philosophy. Published in 1819, more than forty years after Rousseau’s death, this set reflects the continued importance of his writings in post-Revolutionary France, when his ideas on liberty, education, and the social contract remained central to intellectual life.

Issued as a “nouvelle édition, ornée de belles gravures,” these volumes were produced with engraved illustrations, including a finely executed engraved portrait of Rousseau at the front of the work. The text is printed on period laid paper and retains the characteristic look and feel of early nineteenth-century French book production. The title pages list Parisian booksellers Étienne Ledoux and Terné, located on the rue Pierre-Sarrazin, placing this edition firmly within the historic publishing district of Paris.

This in an incomplete set of 16 of 20 total volumes.  Volumes 5, 8, 14, and 18 are missing.  The volumes contain Rousseau’s major philosophical, political, and literary works, written in French, and was intended as a comprehensive library edition for educated readers of the period. Volumes show age-appropriate toning and foxing consistent with books over two hundred years old.  The volumes have full leather covers, marbled page edging, and measure 3.5” x 5.75”.  Each volume contains over 400 pages.  Overall, the condition of this set can be described as great, especially for age.