{"product_id":"french-leather-and-silk-bound-devotional-book-quinzaine-de-paques-with-hidden-fore-edge-marbling-1880","title":"French Leather and Silk-Bound Devotional Book Quinzaine de Pâques with Hidden Fore-Edge Marbling (1879)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description:\u003cbr\u003eA beautifully preserved French Catholic devotional volume titled Offices de la Quinzaine de Pâques à l’Usage de Rome, published in Tours in 1879 by Alfred Mame et Fils, one of the most respected religious publishers of 19th-century France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis miniature presentation book is bound in deep blue morocco leather with raised bands and gilt spine lettering reading Quinzaine de Pâques. The interior features striking royal-blue moiré silk doublures framed by an ornate gilt dentelle border. The front doublure is monogrammed “M.L.B.” in gold, with a dated presentation inscription “7 Mai 1885” at the lower edge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe text includes engraved devotional plates, a chromolithographic title vignette, and liturgical content for the Easter octave period. The book retains its original ribbon marker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA particularly charming detail is the hidden fore-edge marbling, visible when the pages are gently fanned — a decorative feature associated with higher-quality devotional bindings and gift editions of the late 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book remains in exceptional condition, with bright silk interiors, strong binding, and clean pages. A refined example of French devotional bookbinding combining religious function with decorative craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra:\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th century (published 1879; presentation dated 1885)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory:\u003cbr\u003eAlfred Mame et Fils of Tours was one of the most important Catholic publishers in France during the 19th century, known for producing finely bound devotional books intended as First Communion, confirmation, or presentation gifts. Silk doublures, gilt dentelle borders, and decorated page edges were hallmarks of higher-end editions designed for personal devotion and remembrance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBooks like this were often treasured family keepsakes, which explains the personalized monogram and presentation date preserved in this example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance:\u003cbr\u003eFrance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials:\u003cbr\u003eMorocco leather binding\u003cbr\u003eMoiré silk doublures\u003cbr\u003eGilt dentelle decoration\u003cbr\u003eGilt page edges with hidden marbled fore-edge\u003cbr\u003ePaper with engraved and chromolithographic illustrations\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e[leave blank]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers:\u003cbr\u003eLight age-appropriate wear to edges and binding corners. Minor spotting consistent with age. Silk interior remains vibrant and intact. Fore-edge marbling visible when pages are fanned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48641904574719,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/17c178f8-f56c-46a8-94c8-9745fff07a76.png?v=1780875738","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/french-leather-and-silk-bound-devotional-book-quinzaine-de-paques-with-hidden-fore-edge-marbling-1880","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}