‎GODEFROY, DENIS. ‎
‎Abbrege des trois etats du clerge, de la noblesse, et du tiers etat. 3 parts. ‎

‎Paris, Cramoisy, 1682. 8vo. In contemporary full sprinkled calf with five raised bands and gilt ornamentation to spine. Edges of boards gilt. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. Ex-libris (Juel of Valdemar's Castle) to pasted down front end-paper. Light wear and miscolouring to extremities. Previous owner's name in contemporary hand to title-page. Internally nice and clean. (16), 86, (2), 139, 93, (3) pp. ‎

Reference : 61761

‎Rare first (only?) edition of this work which discuss the structure and roles of the Three Estates in France's ancien régime: Clergy (Le Clergé): The First Estate which included members of the Church, such as priests, bishops and other clergy members. This group had significant political power and privileges, including tax exemptions. Nobility (La Noblesse): The Second Estate which included the aristocracy. Nobles held land, enjoyed privileges, and were exempt from many taxes. They were key players in politics and military leadership. Third Estate (Le Tiers État): The largest and most diverse group encompassing commoners, peasants and the growing bourgeoisie. Unlike the other estates they were heavily taxed and had limited political power despite their crucial role in the economy and society.‎