Beautiful 19th-century French educational and religious books published by the prominent printer and bookseller Louis-Joseph Lefort. Founded at 55 Rue Esquermoise in Lille, the Lefort publishing house specialized heavily in religious texts, educational moral guides, and children's literature during the 1800s.
The Left Book: Family Bible Stories -
Bible de Famille, ou Histoire de l'Ancien Testament rédigée en faveur de la jeunesse ("Family Bible, or History of the Old Testament written for the youth"). This is a simplified narrative collection of Old Testament historical accounts tailored as an instructional text for young readers and students.
The Right Book: Gospel Teachings -
Instructions sur les Évangiles des dimanches et fêtes de l'année, à l'usage de l'adolescence ("Instructions on the Gospels for Sundays and feasts of the year, for the use of adolescents").
These types of books were frequently distributed as formal prizes (livres de prix) in parochial schools or kept as family heirlooms to record major household lineages.
The books, dated 1836, measure 3.5" x 5.75" and are sold as a set.
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