Rougier-Labergerie, Jean Baptiste. Essai politique et philosophique sur le commerce et la paix, considérés sous leurs rapports avec l'agriculture.

€ 500.00

First edition. An ardent plea for free trade, particularly the free trade in grain, and for European peace. "Free trade increases the income of the state and produces more wealth for the people [...] it also means competition and hence stable prices of bread, of wages and of everything". The author then discusses the problems caused by the present war with England and the benefits that peace would bring for all European nations, ending with a "call to philosophers, poets, artists, etc. in favour of peace". Rougier, baron de La Bergerie (1759-1836), was prefect of Yonne during the Empire and held various other public offices after the Restoration. He was a member of several learned societies and author of many books and pamphlets, most of which deal with subjects related to agriculture.

A clean copy with ample (though lightly frayed) margins. Old stamp from a German library in Bächingen an der Brenz to title-page.