CHARBONNERIE. - Instruction, ou Catéchisme des BB∴ CC∴ Fr∴ C - Lot 50

CHARBONNERIE. - Instruction, ou Catéchisme des BB∴ CC∴ Fr∴ Charb∴ [Bon Cousins Frères Charbonniers], contenant la manière d'initier et de donner les différens grades dans cet Ordre, avec des discours propres à des cérémonies. À Besançon, chez Chalandre, 1812. 3 parts in one volume in-12, bradel hardback with imitation parchment cover with printed title page on spine (modern binding). (4 including the last blank)-36-23-(one blank)-30 pp. ; RARE EDITION, PROBABLY THE ORIGINAL, of which only 300 copies were printed (Fesch, col. 760, after Kloss, no. 3706). RITUAL DE CHARBONNIERS, comprising three separate parts: "Catechism of the BB∴ CC∴ Fr∴ Charb∴ [First passage]", "Second passage. Grade de maître", "Grade des fendeurs". A secret society akin to Freemasonry, Charbonnerie had its roots in the Compagnonage tradition of cutters and charcoal-makers, but also in Italian clandestine political associations, first anti-French in the late 18th century and then anti-Austrian at the beginning of the following century, some of whose practices Napoleon's armies brought back. Its development in France was particularly strong in Franche-Comté, Lyon and the south-west, and was closely associated with liberal movements hostile to the reactionary Restoration. Linked with the Lodges Les Amis de la Vérité and Les Amis de l'Armorique, Charbonnerie engaged in political action against the Bourbons, and, in the years 1820-1822, some Bons Cousins formed conspiracies, for example the famous four "sergeants of La Rochelle". The future Napoleon Bonaparte was a member for a time, but was most active in Italy. Later, the Charbonnerie merged with other secret societies, especially after the Revolution of 1830, which achieved some of the Charbonniers' political aims.