An exquisite, authentic example of 19th-century French Cartonnage Romantique (Romantic-era decorative binding). Published in 1853 by the renowned printing house Ad Mame et Cie in Tours, France, this beautiful religious volume features a highly ornate, heavily embossed pink paper over boards, richly layered with gold-gilt filigree, decorative shields, and architectural borders.
The front cover boasts a vibrant, inset color chromolithograph panel depicting Jesus blessing a group of young children. Historically, these luxury gift editions were treasured keepsakes given to French children to mark sacred milestones such as their First Holy Communion.
The highly delicate pink-and-gold embossed covers are beautifully preserved, with exceptional color retention and bright gilt tracking. Minimal shelf wear and typical light rubbing to the corners and spine edges consistent with a book of this age. Interior pages show light, uniform age-toning and minor foxing typical of mid-19th-century French paper. Binding remains solid and intact. Please review all photos for close-up structural details. The book measures 4.5" x 7.5" and has 248 pages.
Book Details & Content
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Title: Vie de N. S. Jésus-Christ, ou Concorde des Quatre Évangélistes (The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, or Harmony of the Four Evangelists)
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Author: M. L'Abbé Arnault (Honorary Canon of Tours, Vicar of Saint-Louis-d'Antin)
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Publisher: Ad Mame et Cie, Imprimeurs-Libraires, Tours
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Year: 1853
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Language: French
- Features: Full chronological harmonization of the four Gospels with literal explanatory footnotes; formal publisher's "AM" monogram crest on the title page.
