MARMONTEL Jean-Francois, “Bélisaire suivi de Fragmens de Philosophie Morale", Londres, s.n., M.D.CC.LXXX (1780). In 16mo, p. (3) ff., 314. With frontispiece, title vignette and 3 unsigned engravings. This novel about the Byzantine general Belisarius under Emperor Justinian caused an immediate scandal for its defence of freedom of opinion and religious tolerance. It was immediately seen as a thinly veiled personal attack on Louis XV. His defence on behalf of the philosophers, and especially Voltaire, did much for his success throughout Europe. As soon as it was published, the work was officially censored by the Sorbonne because of chapter XV, which praises religious tolerance, and the work was subjected to numerous religious anathemas. It is known that Catherine II, interested in the ideas of the book, asked for Chapter XV to be translated into Russian. Period full tortoiseshell calfskin binding; caps, joints and corners in good condition, sound hinges, gilded triple fillet frames on the covers, smooth spine adorned with gilded fleurons and black title label; fairly fresh inside, rare foxing, all edges gilded. Complete. A Very Good copy.