229 - [NORMANDY—ON BEGGING]. A Treatise on the Means Most Consistent with Religion, Humanity, and Politics for Putting an End to Begging in the Province of Normandy.

[NORMANDY—ON BEGGING]. A Treatise on the Means Most Consistent with Religion, Humanity, and Politics for Putting an End to Begging in the Province of Normandy. First edition of this treatise on social economy in a period full morocco binding. Avignon and Paris, published by D’Houry, 1780. In-8, full red morocco, smooth spine decorated with repeated fleurons and gilt fillets, black leather title label, triple gilt fillet framing the covers enhanced by four corner fleurons, gilt interior frieze, inner covers and endpapers in royal blue paper, gilded fillet on the edges, guilloché caps, gilt edges. 1 blank leaf (title page) and 78 pp. Spine worn, slight rubbing on the joints and corners, rare foxing. First edition of this treatise on social economy, awarded a prize by the Academy of Sciences, Literature, and Arts of Rouen at its 1779 session. This short work is one of the most accomplished expressions of the philanthropic and administrative thinking of the late Ancien Régime in the face of the scourge of extreme poverty. Dominique Demende de Demandolx (1731–1827), then lieutenant general of the seneschalsy of Marseille, sought to reconcile Christian charity (religion), philosophical benevolence (humanity), and public order or economic utility (politics) to propose reforms aimed at eliminating vagrancy and reintegrating beggars into society through work in the province of Normandy. From the library of La Germonière, with an engraved ex-libris depicting the Château du Vast (Manche). Uncommon, in fine condition.