[BABEUF (Gracchus)]. Cadastre perpétuel, Ou Démonstration des procédés convenables à la formation de cet important Ouvrage [...]. Paris, Chez les Auteurs, Garnery& Volland ; Versailles, Blaizot, 1789. In-8, half green basane, smooth spine decorated (19th century binding). First edition of Babeuf's most important pre-revolutionary book (INED, n°151.) In 1789, Babeuf imagined a "perpetual cadastre" designed to put an end to inequality of distribution. In this work, he explains "how, with the help of an engineer, he intends to develop a new instrument, the trigonometric graphometer, which can measure with scientific precision the exact surface area of cultivable land, [and] hopes that such a survey can be used to establish the tax base on a fair and progressive basis. Initially intended for the enlightened public, the text was eventually dedicated to the newly-formed National Assembly (Dictionnaire des biens communs, PUF, 2021). Copy washed and replaced in the binding, with the two-leaf table in facsimile. The 2 folding plates are missing. Rubbing to binding. Enclosed are a letter to Babeuf dated April 8, 1789 (one page in-12), and a letter signed by Audiffred dated Paris May 28, 1789 (one page in-8) about the work: Si vous avez changé d'avis, ou si je puis encore compter sur vous. But time is short; if you still intend to publish your productions with mine. Please let me know immediately.