CODE Code de Commerce. Édition originale et seule officielle.

Brunet, II, 118 ; Tulard, p. 431 ff.

First edition of the Code de Commerce.

Usually also called Code des boutiquiers it was officially adopted on 15 Septembre 1807 and stayed in place until 18 Septembre 2000 when it was replaced by a new version.

“The 1807 code left a big legacy. It was the son of the French Revolution and carried certain values. By affirming the superiority of the law over commercial practices, it confirmed the idea of the equality of citizens before the law. It also took up the concept of freedom of enterprise and association, a distant inspiration for the freedom of movement of persons, goods and services and the freedom of contract of the Treaty of Rome. The 1807 code was also intended to be universal. “It is finally of great importance that the commercial code of the French Empire be drafted in accordance with principles that will prepare it for universal influence, in accordance with principles that are in harmony with the great commercial habits that embrace and subjugate the two worlds”, declared the rapporteur of the Council of State in his explanatory memorandum. Napoleon had already understood that commercial law is a factor of development” (see Ministère de la justice, Bicentenaire du Code de Commerce).

“The Code de Commerce of 1807 crowns the constant efforts made throughout the 18th century to adapt and update the ordinance of 1673, or the Merchant Code, whose imperfections had quickly become apparent” (see Tulard).

Copy complete with the extensive subject index, followed by the Exposé des motifs du Code de Commerce, présenté au corps législatif (Paris, Galland, 1807. Title, 58 pp.).

Attractive copy, albeit a scratch on the font cover.