French Revolution.- Trial of Louis XVI.- Paine (Thomas) Opinion de Thomas Payne [sic.] Député du Départment de la Somme, concernant le Jugement de Louis XVI, Précédée de sa lettre d'envoi au Président de la Convention, Paris, L'Imprimerie Nationale, 1792 [and] Paine (Thomas) Opinion de Thomas Payne [sic.] sur l'Affaire de Louis Capet, Addressé au Président de la Convention Nationale, [Paris], [L'Imprimerie Nationale], [1793] bound with a large quantity of other 'Opinions', 'Appels' and 'Pieces Justicatives' relating to the trial and sentencing of Louis XVI, bound together in 6 vol., some spotting and light browning, 19th century half calf, spines gilt (dulled) and with red and black morocco labels, rubbed, 8vo

⁂ In 1792 in gratitude for his fervent support of the French Revolution the revolutionary government of France granted Paine honorary citizenship and elected him as a deputy to the Convention Nationale. Before, during and following the trial of Louis XVI the opinions of Paine and his fellow deputies were canvassed, Initially, the question was whether the monarch should be tried; and later how; and then finally upon the verdict of guilty for high treason what punishment should be meted out.

Paine believed that Louis XVI should receive a fair and unbiased trial and if found guilty his sentence should be decided upon by the citizens of France. In the second pamphlet mentioned, which follows the guilty verdict, Paine argues against the king's execution, favouring exile instead. He believed that capital punishment was linked to the corruption of the monarchy.

Our volumes also contain contributions by Robespierre, Marat, Carnot, and Saint-Just, amongst many others. In all an excellent snapshot of the sentiments and events surrounding the trial and execution of Louis XVI, or 'Citoyen Louis Capet', as he was referred to during this period.