‎ESPRIT, (JACQUES).‎
‎La faussete des vertus humaines.‎

‎Paris, Prelard, 1693. 8vo. In contemporary full calf with four raised bands and richly gilt spine. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Wear to extremities, parts of gilting worn off. Head of spine chipped, showing headbands. Internally nice and clean. (22), 496, (6) pp.‎

Reference : 61421

‎The rare second edition of Jacques Esprit critical examination of human virtues in which he argues that many so-called virtues are often based on self-interest rather than true moral values. The work was a significant contribution to the genre of moral literature that was prominent in France during the 17th century and was reprinted several times, it was first published in 1678 – a year after the author had passed away. Jacques Esprit (1611 – 1677), sometimes referred to as Abbé Esprit despite never being ordained as a priest, was a French moralist and writer and member of the literary circle during the 17th century. Esprit is best known for the present work. Born in Béziers to a doctor from Toulouse, Esprit moved to Paris in 1628 where he studied theology and letters until 1634, joining his brother. In Paris he frequented the salon of the Marquise de Sablé and served both the Duchesse de Longueville and the Duc de La Rochefoucauld. His talents attracted the attention of Pierre Séguier, who granted him a pension and appointed him as a conseiller d'État in 1636. Esprit was elected to the Académie française in 1639. However, after falling out of favor with Séguier in 1644 Esprit sought refuge in an Oratorian seminary. There, he gained the friendship of Prince de Conti, who provided him with lodging. Esprit accompanied the prince to Languedoc in 1660 as his intendant. Following the prince's death in 1666 Esprit returned to Béziers, where he dedicated himself to raising his three daughters and editing his sole major work, the present.‎