Rare original edition. First posthumous edition of Paolo Paruta's major work, published one year after his death, an extension of the research undertaken by Machiavelli. As a theorist of reasons of state, the author studies the causes of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, which he compares to the Republic of Venice, to conclude in favor of the latter. If political institutions inevitably vary according to place, circumstances and customs, the personality of the sovereign and his "virtue" must constitute an absolute example for his electors. The work is cited as one of Montesquieu's sources. To follow, in separate pagination: a 'Soliloquy', an interesting meditation by the author on his journey and his past life, undoubtedly inspired by Saint Augustine. Venetian statesman and historian, Paolo Paruta was historian of Venice, senator, governor of Brescia, ambassador and procurator of San Marco. (Adams, P.363. Brunet, IV, 392. Graesse, V, 144).