The definitive edition. The final, expanded edition of this radical tour-de-force of global commerce and politics. The definitive version of the text, including for the first time extensive contributions by Diderot, Holbach and other philosophes.

Previous editions had already appeared in the index of banned books, and this new edition was more violently radical than any of its predecessors. Some of the ideas that Raynal was advocating were enough to ensure that a warrant for his arrest was issued, and the book was condemned by the Parlement de Paris and burnt by the public executioner. Raynal escaped into exile, and did not return until 1784.

This edition, in addition to the plates by Moreau le Jeune, is particularly prized for its atlas of maps by Rigobert Bonne, 23 of which are of American interest.

11 vols in all; text: 10 vols, 8vo; Atlas: 4to; engraved portrait frontispiece of Raynal after C.N. Cochin in vol. I, 9 engraved frontispiece plates aftaer J.M. Moreau le Jeune, 50 engraved maps by Rigobert Bonne, 49 of which double-page and one folding, numbered 1-49, and 17 bis, 23 letterpress tables, some of which folding; contemporary green morocco gilt, flat spines in 6 compartments, red morocco lettering pieces in second and fourth compartments, others with repeat gilt decoration, slight rubbing to corners, Atlas slightly sunned, all edges gilt, magenta endpapers.

Sabin 68081; Cohen/de Ricci 854; cf. Phillips 652 (atlas).