The Spirit of the Laws

What it is

This is the title page of the first edition of De l'Esprit des loix, printed in Geneva in 1748 and published anonymously, as was common at the time. It was written by Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, after about ten years of research.

Why it matters

The book argues that political institutions must fit the society, geography and climate of a people, and it famously sets out the idea of separating legislative, executive and judicial power. It strongly influenced later constitutions, including debates among the framers of the United States Constitution, and thinkers such as Catherine the Great and Alexis de Tocqueville. The Catholic Church later banned it.

Look closer

• Why might Montesquieu have chosen to publish this book anonymously?
• What does the long, detailed title tell you about what the book covers?
• Why would a book about government be considered dangerous enough to censor?