Mois Avis, Signed (1 results)

First edition, presentation copy, inscribed "Ex dono authoris" in a neat hand on the title page of the first work, bound with its sequel, Malebranche's response to Jesuit criticisms of it. Leibniz read the Entretien closely and wrote his Discourse on the Natural Theology of the Chinese almost immediately after reading it. Growing awareness of Chinese moral thought and culture, as conveyed through the translations and commentaries of the Jesuit missionaries, played a significant role in shaping the European Enlightenment. The Jesuits took the position that the Chinese were neither idolaters nor atheists, a position that relied on a theistic interpretation of Confucianism. Coming to the subject late in his career, Malebranche attacks this Jesuit conception of Confucianism. A Catholic priest and firm opponent of irreligion, Malebranche particularly links the Chinese emphasis on innate forces with Spinoza's atheism. Malebranche's supplementary Avis responds to criticism levelled at the Entretien in an influential Jesuit journal, which turned charges of atheism back on him. From his correspondence, we know Leibniz praised, annotated, and criticized the Entretien shortly before writing his Discours sur la theologie naturelle des Chinois, suggesting that Malebranche's brief work provided the key stimulus for Leibniz's analysis of Chinese philosophy. The two men had known one another for almost 40 years, and Malebranche's influence is detectable in several of Leibniz's other works. "Leibniz deserves the honor, frequently bestowed upon him, as the single most important early European interpreter of Chinese philosophy" (Reihman). Quérard VI, p. 460. Gregory M. Reihman, "Malebranche's Influence on Leibniz's Writings on China", Philosophy East and West, vol. 65, no. 3, 2015. Two works bound in one vol, small octavo (157 x 90 mm), pp. [ii], 74, [2]; pp. [ii], 40. Wood-engraved headpieces and historiated initials. Contemporary sprinkled calf, rebacked preserving original spine panels, spine decorated in gilt and with red morocco label, edges sprinkled red. From the abbey library at Beaugency in the Loire valley, with 18th-century ownership inscriptions to the title pages of both works, practice inscription on p. 35 (Entretien). Extremities repaired with sheep, light damp-staining to outer margins, infrequent minor foxing: a very good copy.