This stunning little French book features a beautiful and romantic binding known as a Cartonnage binding. It's white and gilt with striking decoration to the boards and spine - the front board features an open book surrounded by foliage and scrollwork, whilst the back has a cross. It was published in 1853 and features a series of Meditations, Prayers and Examples in Honour of the Blessed Virgin.
These bindings have become popular over the past couple of years due to Instagram and you can't help but admire the incredible workmanship that has gone into the binding. They're little works of art.
The book is in very good condition with just some light wear to the corners and edges and minor marks to the boards. The spine is darkened with some soiling.
Inside, the pages show staining to the top edge of the pages (this doesn't reach the text) with significant age toning and foxing throughout. The binding thread is pulling in places.
Dimensions approximately 11.5cm x 7.5cm x 1.4cm.
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 strength.