"L'Esprit des lois" is the work that collects the innumerable elements and principles of the historical, political and social thought of Charles Louis de Secondat, baron of Montesquieu (1689 - 1755), the result of long meditations, travels and readings, was published in 1748 and is based on some general principles from which, according to the author, the political and civil institutions that govern human societies derive their origin and life. Edition of notable importance for the commentary by Genovesi, who is also credited with the translation of the text. The work is preceded by the "Praise of the President of Montesquieu" by M. d'Alancourt" and is followed by the "Defence of the spirit of the laws to which some clarifications are added" and by a copious index of the material.