Beschreibung:

HOWARD, JOHN. Etat des prisons, des hpitaux et des maisons de force. Paris, 1788. Frontis. portrait and 22 folding plates. 2 vols. 8vo, original wrappers with printed spine labels, spines lightly worn, label to 2nd vol. lacking, uncut, 2nd vol. unopened, few gatherings loose. First French edition of Howard's inspired work on penal reform, with much information relating to continental prisons (the reformatory treatment of prisoners in the Low Countries very much impressing him). Interestingly, the French authorities sought to prevent him access to their jails, but he somehow circumvented this and duly published his findings on prisons in Lyons, Bordeaux and Paris (including the Bastille) herein. Brunet III:352 ("rare"). PMM 224 (English edition).