Frequently attributed to anti-Orangist Dutch statesman and reformer Johan de Witt, The True Interests and Political Maxims... was actually the work of Dutch economist Pieter de la Court. Both men, however, had in common the core beliefs set forth here: a strong defence of the benefits of free trade, an open and tolerant society, and the expansion of economic, social and religious liberties. Written in an outspoken and polemic style, the book was a bestseller and went through eight editions when it was first published in Holland in 1662. This is the first english language edition. References: Goldsmiths' 3864.

Octavo, lvi, 492 pages. In Very Good minus condition. Re-backed, preserving contemporary paneled calf boards, with dark brown spine labels and gilt lettering. Boards show light plus wear to edges to joints, moderate wear to corners, and minor shelf-wear overall. Text-block has moderate age-toning to edges, moderate age-toning to paste-downs, and very light occasional foxing. First gathering (front free end paper - xvi) is detached from binding, but present. Lacking engraved frontispiece. Name of former owner "R. Jones" appears in ink on the title-page. RW Consignment. Shelved in Wedgwood Room.