This striking French book of Balzac's Physiologie du Mariage was published in Paris in 1901. It features the "Musings of an Eclectic Philosoper on the Happiness and Unhappiness of Married Life". It was first published in 1829 is a satirical, pseudo-scientific essay analyzing the challenges and power dynamics of 19th Century French wedlock. It famously argued that marriage was not an "institution of Nature" but a fragile social construct threatened by adultery and routine.
It is quarter bound in calf with marbled boards and gilt decoration to the spine. It's in good condition but there is significant wear to the corners and board edges which has caused some surface loss and peeling to the marbled paper. There is some wear and marking to the boards and faint staining to the leather. The spine is sunned and discoloured, with a split to the bottom of the front joint.
Inside, the pages show tanning to the margins and heavy foxing throughout. The endpapers are marbled and there are no inscriptions. There is a crack to the gutter at the title page but the pages remain tightly bound.
Dimensions approximately 20.5cm x 14.3cm x 2.8cm.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string. The bubble wrap I use is 100% biodegradable and the jiffy bags are recyclable.
Where possible, I use 100% recyclable paper tape, but sometimes I have to use clear plastic tape for extra