Two central works illustrate some of the many social and political origins of the French Revolution. Du Contrat Social; ou, Principles du droit politique is the first edition of Rousseau's document on egalitarian government. In his emotional plea for the equality of all citizens in the state, Rousseau observes that the effect of the French monarchy was the greatest misery for the greatest number. Rousseau's work became the guidebook for the revolutionaries in building the new state.
Originally published between 1751 and 1765, the Encyclopedie stands as a monument to the struggle by scientists and men of letters to bring Enlightenment ideals to a wider audience. Its publication caused a sensation throughout Europe outraging the court, church, and judiciary. In 1759, seven volumes were banned by the French Attorney-General and condemned by the Pope. The first edition of the Encyclopedie was marketed primarily to wealthy, aristocratic subscribers, but demand remained high despite official disapproval. The Geneva quarto edition was published by a partnership between Lyons bookseller Joseph Duplain and the Parisian publisher Charles Joseph Panckoucke who used Pellet, a bookseller in Geneva, as the front for their project. Printed in a smaller, less expensive format, this edition reached twice as many buyers as the original. Subversive to establishment beliefs and published without official permission, the Encyclopedie was seen as many as heralding the coming of the Revolution in France.
