Published by Gruel et Engelmann (Publisher) / Edmond Monnoyer (Printer), Paris / Mans, 1883
Leather. Condition: Very Good-. xvi, 656pp. Signed binding. This volume contains the Lamennais French translation of the Imitation and is followed by the Ordinary of the Mass in French and Latin. Bound in full, burgundy leather, with clear and bright gilt decorative cross on both front and back covers, along with clear and bright gilt title on upper spine, and clear and bright gilt binder name (Gruel) to lower spine. All edges gilt. If one looks closely and/or fans the pages a little, one can see that the edges of the pages are marbled below the gilt. This creates a lovely appearance to the page edges. Dark green marker-ribbon admits to light wear. The covers admit to tiny wear spots, including several ever so tiny 'cuts,' here and there, though none of this is offensive. The volume is beautifully illustrated on almost every page, including several whole page illustrations. Most illustrations are in the form of beautiful text borders, which themselves are comprised of reproductions of beautiful artwork. Watered silk to opposing endpapers, with a date of May 19, 1892 (likely the date of binding) gilt stamped to front free endpaper. Beautiful, ornate borders (i.e., dentelle) to inside of front and back boards, with gilt double rule to edges of boards. The only marking to interior is the price paid (in pencil!) by the previous owner when he was a resident in France, many decades ago. Overall, this is a stunning, sound and very well-preserved copy of an important text. Seller Inventory # 035336