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A Treatise on the Social Compact; Or The Principles of Politic Law
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.33
Object Type
Temporary Loan
Date
1764
Author
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
(Swiss, 1712 - 1778)
Printer
Becket and De Hondt
(Active 1760–1770's, London)
Place MadeLondon, England
Medium
Octavo book
DimensionsOverall W 6 1/2 in x D 7 1/2 in (16.5 cm x 19.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Treatise on the Social Compact; Or The Principles of Politic Law
(London: Becket and De Hondt, 1764).
(London: Becket and De Hondt, 1764).
Historical NoteThis is a first English edition of Rousseau’s seminal treatise on political philosophy and precursor of the French revolution. The Social Compact became a bible of revolutionaries
building their ideal state, including the North American colonies. Rousseau argued that
legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed, rather than from divine right or hereditary monarchy. Upon publication, the distribution of The Social Compact in France was prohibited, and Rousseau fled the country to avoid imprisonment. John Adams was just one of the Founding Fathers influenced by Rousseau, particularly in Adams’ Massachusetts constitution.
Additional Detailsbuilding their ideal state, including the North American colonies. Rousseau argued that
legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed, rather than from divine right or hereditary monarchy. Upon publication, the distribution of The Social Compact in France was prohibited, and Rousseau fled the country to avoid imprisonment. John Adams was just one of the Founding Fathers influenced by Rousseau, particularly in Adams’ Massachusetts constitution.
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.Not on view