Maury, Abbé; Lake, John Neal [translator]. The Principles of Eloquence, adapted to the Pulpit and the Bar. New-York: Printed by D. and G. Bruce, for Thompson, Hart and Co., 1807. [5828]
Full calf with red calf spine title label, spine rules in gilt, 6 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches, binding firm with rubbed edges, crazing to spine, 1/2" crack at the top of the front hinge. 275 pp., light foxing, tight. Very good.
"In 1777 Maury published the Essai sur l'éloquence de la chaire which, with many editions and revisions, was to be his chief bid for literary fame. Stressing nature and good sense, it was written for a 'philosophical' audience, and praised eloquence where the author found it, in Bossuet and the church fathers, in Rousseau and Voltaire. He was admitted to the French Academy in 1785." - Paul H. Beik, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, October, 1951.
"As a member of the Constituting National Assembly, it was his lot to step forward at an epoch, which will for ever remain memorable in the annals of France. In the midst of those contests and recriminations of which that assembly was composed, Abbé Maury stood forth as a champion of the Church, and of Aristocracy. His eloquence and abilities elevated him to distinguished importance amongst his brethren, while his undaunted spirit acquired fresh energy from the number, the abilities, and the attacks of his opponents; those though repeatedly foiled, yet like an expiring hero in the field of battle he was determined not to yield, but with his latest breath." - Preface.
Jean-Siffrein Maury (1746-1817), French Cardinal and statesman, sometime Archbishop of Nicea. Maury was held in high esteem by the French monarchy, and later by Napoleon, who granted him the See of Paris. Maury was imprisoned in the Castle of St. Angelo after the fall of Napoleon, and was later restored to his position of Cardinal, being reconciled to Pope Pius VII.
