Louis XVI; Necker and Barentin. Ouverture des Etats-Généraux - Lot 83

Louis XVI; Necker and Barentin. Ouverture des Etats-Généraux, faite à Versailles le 5 Mai 1789. Published in Paris by Imprimerie Royale in 1789. First edition In octavo / In-8 paperback. 118-(4) pages, illustrated with a headband and tables at the end of the book showing the general state of fixed revenues and expenditures. Full title: "Ouverture des Etats-Généraux, faite à Versailles le 5 mai 1789. Discours du Roi ; Discours de M. le Garde des Sceaux ; Rapport de M. le Directeur général des finances, fait par ordre du Roi ; Suivis du Tableau des Revenus et Dépenses fixes de la Monarchie à cette époque." Rare first edition of this work devoted to the historic opening of the Estates-General, held in Versailles on May 5, 1789 by Louis XVI, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Louis XVI opened the session with a speech in which he recalled the circumstances that had led to his being summoned and what he expected from the Estates-General. As a peace-loving king, he declared himself "the first friend of his people". This was followed by speeches by Barentin, the Keeper of the Seals, and Necker, Minister of Finance, on the kingdom's economic situation. Covers damaged, boards corroded at extremities. Leaves faded and worn at edges, interior otherwise clean and well preserved. A fine copy.