{"product_id":"1887-french-victorian-illustrated-childrens-book-la-fortune-du-pauvre-by-francois-mussat-ornate-pink-and-gilt-decorative-binding-alfred-mame-et-fils","title":"1887 French Victorian Illustrated Children's Book, *La Fortune du Pauvre* by François Mussat, Ornate Pink and Gilt Decorative Binding, Alfred Mame et Fils","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003eA wonderfully decorative 19th-century French children's book entitled *La Fortune du Pauvre* (*The Poor Man's Fortune*), written by François Mussat and published in 1887 by Alfred Mame et Fils in Tours, France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe volume features a striking salmon-pink cloth binding richly embellished with black, green, and gold decoration. The elaborate front cover incorporates symmetrical arrangements of flowering branches, delicate trailing foliage, scrolling Renaissance-inspired ornamentation, and classical mask motifs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA particularly distinctive feature is the central medallion displaying the publisher's decorative monogram beneath a castle-like architectural emblem, surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and ornamental flourishes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lower portion of the cover bears the inscription *Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse* (Library for Young People), identifying the book as part of the publisher's celebrated collection of illustrated literature for younger readers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe back cover is equally charming, decorated with delicate black and green floral borders surrounding an ornamental central monogram.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pale spine retains its original gilt lettering reading *La Fortune du Pauvre*, framed by stylized botanical decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInside, the volume contains charming black-and-white illustrations depicting scenes of 19th-century French domestic and rural life. An illustrated frontispiece depicts a lively gathering surrounding a donkey, showcasing the period's distinctive approach to illustrated children's literature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA beautiful example of Victorian-era French decorative publishing, particularly desirable for its unusual salmon-pink binding and richly detailed cover ornamentation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Era\u003cbr\u003e**1887 — Late 19th Century**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrench Victorian period, with decorative influences from the Renaissance Revival and Aesthetic Movement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe title page is dated MDCCCLXXXVII (1887).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## History\u003cbr\u003e*La Fortune du Pauvre*, translating to *The Poor Man's Fortune*, is a work of French fiction written by François Mussat, a 19th-century French author and former professor of philosophy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMussat was born in Coulon, in the Deux-Sèvres department of western France. He later taught philosophy in Tours, where he wrote and published several works of fiction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis writing frequently drew upon provincial French life, rural communities, and themes of morality, family, and social circumstances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*La Fortune du Pauvre* was originally published in 1878, making this 1887 edition a later printing of the work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe volume was published by Alfred Mame et Fils, one of France's most influential publishing houses during the 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBased in Tours, the Mame publishing firm became particularly well known for its production of illustrated children's literature, religious books, educational publications, and finely decorated gift books.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the second half of the 19th century, the publisher produced numerous volumes under the *Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse* imprint, offering literary and educational works intended for younger audiences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese books were frequently issued in colorful decorative bindings designed to appeal to the growing market for children's literature and presentation books.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe present example features an especially attractive publisher's binding, combining salmon-pink cloth with elaborate gilt and multicolored ornamental decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cover's stylized floral motifs, symmetrical composition, and architectural ornamentation reflect the eclectic decorative tastes of late 19th-century France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, such volumes are collected not only for their literary and historical significance but also as beautiful examples of Victorian-era book design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Provenance\u003cbr\u003e**Tours, France, 1887.**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: François Mussat\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Alfred Mame et Fils\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollection: *Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse*\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo individual ownership inscription or additional provenance has been identified in the provided photographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Materials\u003cbr\u003e- Salmon-pink cloth-covered boards\u003cbr\u003e- Black, green, and gilt-stamped decorative ornamentation\u003cbr\u003e- Illustrated front and back covers\u003cbr\u003e- Pale cloth spine with gilt lettering and botanical decoration\u003cbr\u003e- Printed paper pages\u003cbr\u003e- Black-and-white engraved or relief-printed illustrations\u003cbr\u003e- Decorative publisher's emblem and monogram\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Dimensions\u003cbr\u003eDimensions to be confirmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Condition\/Disclaimers\u003cbr\u003eGood antique decorative condition with visible wear consistent with age and historical use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe salmon-pink covers retain their vibrant coloration and elaborate decorative ornamentation, with minor rubbing, surface marks, and scattered areas of discoloration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gilt and colored cover decoration remains particularly attractive, with much of the intricate floral and architectural detailing clearly preserved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe spine exhibits more pronounced age-related wear, including rubbing, discoloration, and visible fraying and losses at the upper and lower extremities. The gilt title remains partially legible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe corners and board edges show expected rubbing and minor wear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInterior pages exhibit age-related toning, scattered foxing, and occasional spotting, particularly around the margins and title page.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe illustrated frontispiece remains present, with the printed illustration retaining good definition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe binding appears intact in the provided photographs, although the integrity of all internal gatherings and completeness of the text have not been independently verified.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with all antique books, minor imperfections and signs of age contribute to the volume's historical character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e## Value\u003cbr\u003e**Estimated Antique Retail Value: $45–$95 USD**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Suggested Retail Listing Price: $75 USD**\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book's beautifully decorated salmon-pink binding, multicolored gilt ornamentation, identifiable 1887 publication date, and association with the renowned Alfred Mame publishing house contribute to its desirability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParticularly appealing to collectors of Victorian children's literature, French decorative bookbindings, and antique illustrated books.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50778712473855,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/E23C423C-B0E4-41E8-B2B2-021121BBBA8D.png?v=1792937915","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/1887-french-victorian-illustrated-childrens-book-la-fortune-du-pauvre-by-francois-mussat-ornate-pink-and-gilt-decorative-binding-alfred-mame-et-fils","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}