NECKER (Jacques). On the importance of religious opinions. London and Paris, Hôtel de Thou (Panckoucke), 1788. In-8° bound in full cherry red morocco, smooth spine decorated and gilt, gilt roulette framing the covers stamped with the arms of the Empress Maria Fedorovna (1759-1828), wife of Paul I of Russia in the centre, stamped roulette to the edges, gilt tr. (Period binding). [2] ff. 544 pp. Decorated with wood-engraved bands. First edition on wove paper published the same year as a printing by G. Regnault in London and Lyon. A very fine copy without the engraved portrait with a prestigious provenance (see lot 2548). Provenance: Library of Maria Feodorovna née princesse de Wurtemberg (1759-1828), Pavlovsk Palace, Acquired from the Lucien Goldschmidt bookshop, New-York then by descent to the present owners Very good condition Binding: Two very small wet spots on the upper boards A small darker rubbing on the lower cover. Spine slightly oiled Inside pages: Minor spotting Very slight soiling in the margins of certain pages. Some pages a little oxidised Annotations in pencil in the margins of the pages. The engraved portrait of Necker is missing, as is often the case.