LAMENNAIS, Félicité de. *Le Livre du peuple*. - Lot 195

LAMENNAIS, Félicité de. *Le Livre du peuple*. First edition. A copy from the library of Robert de Billy, a close friend of Marcel Proust. Paris, H. Delloye and V. Lecou, 1838. Small 8vo, black half-basane, smooth spine decorated lengthwise with a romantic design. 194 pp. Some wear to the binding; foxing. First edition of this reflection on the relationship between the people and those in power, exploring the concept of democracy. Félicité de Lammenais (1782–1854), a priest and theologian actively involved in politics, addresses the challenges and excesses of his time and proposes a vision of a society founded on justice, equality, and freedom. Engraved bookplate by Robert de Billy (1869–1953), one of Marcel Proust’s closest friends.