‎MAINE DE BIRAN, (F.P.G.)‎
‎Oeuvres inédites, publiées par Ernest Naville, avec la collaboration de Marc Debrit.‎

‎Paris, Dezobry, E. Magdeleine et Cie., 1859. 3 volumes. ccxv, 310 pp.; 479, (1) pp.; 594 pp. 8vo. Contemporary half morocco, marbled boards, spine with raised bands and gilt lettering. First edition. The publication of these volumes, from Mss placed at disposal by Maine de Biran's son, made it possible for the first time to present a coherent and connected view of the author's philosophical development. Maine de Biran was born Marie François Pierre Gonthier de Biran, receiving the name 'Maine' from the name of his family's property (le Maine). He became acquainted with the Idéologues Cabanis and Destutt de Tracy by winning first price in an essay contest sponsored by the Institute of France with the essay L'influence de l'habitude sur la faculté de penser. While continuing to write outstanding philosophical and psychological essays, he intensified his political activities, became a member of the Chamber of Deputies, and was made commander in the Legion of Honor.'Maine de Biran is the philosopher of the Empire who has best endured the test of time. His works were hailed by the National Institute, the Academy of Berlin, and the Academy of Copenhagen. He has been called "the reformer of Empiricism" because he was fully imbued with the sensationalism of the idéologues yet went beyond them by insisting on a distinction between active and passive faculties' (Emmet Kennedy in Historical Dictionary of Napoleonic France, 1799-1815, p. 319). - Bookplate of Bibliothèque J.C. Régis Thomas on front paste-down, a very fine copy of a rare book. ‎

Reference : 13977

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