Marc Chassaigne; Hilaire Belloc; Raglan Somerset [trans.] — The Calas Case

London, Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd. 1930 . First edition. Cloth. The first translated edition of this French history of the eighteenth century Calas Case with illustrations and inscribed by the translator. First translated edition of The Calas Case by Marc Chassaigne in the original publisher's cloth binding. An uncommon work. With a foreword by French historian Hilaire Belloc. Translated by Raglan Somerset, signed with his presentation to the first free endpaper dated 1931. The author's own copy, from the library of Lord Raglan, Fitzroy John Somerset. Raglan"s great-great-grandfather was Field Marshal Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan and hero of the Battle at Inkerman and Alma in the Crimean War. He also served as military secretary to the Duke of Wellington. He died in the Crimea in 1855. The house in which the library was situated, Cefn Tilla Court, was purchased by the Raglan Memorial committee for his descendants. Lord Raglan was a keen collector of anthropology and folklore, with many of the works in his extensive library focusing upon this topic. A fascinating and harrowing history of the Calas Case, in which Jean Calas (1698-1792) was tortured and executed for the murder of his son despite his claims of innocence. Calas was a Protestant in a majority Catholic community and was exonerated in 1764 and recognised as a victim of religious intolerance. Illustrated with eight monochrome plates. Collated, complete. Prior owner's book plate to the verso of the first free endpaper. In the original publisher's cloth binding. Externally, smart. There is some bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. There is a small mark to the front board. The front hinge is strained but firm. Prior owner's book plate to the verso of the first free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are bright and clean with some spotting throughout. Very Good . Ill.: Not stated. Very Good .