French Leather and Silk-Bound Devotional Book Quinzaine de Pâques with Hidden Fore-Edge Marbling (1879)
French Leather and Silk-Bound Devotional Book Quinzaine de Pâques with Hidden Fore-Edge Marbling (1879)
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Additional Description:
A 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.
This 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.
The text includes engraved devotional plates, a chromolithographic title vignette, and liturgical content for the Easter octave period. The book retains its original ribbon marker.
A 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.
The 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.
Era:
Late 19th century (published 1879; presentation dated 1885)
History:
Alfred 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.
Books like this were often treasured family keepsakes, which explains the personalized monogram and presentation date preserved in this example.
Provenance:
France
Materials:
Morocco leather binding
Moiré silk doublures
Gilt dentelle decoration
Gilt page edges with hidden marbled fore-edge
Paper with engraved and chromolithographic illustrations
Dimensions:
[leave blank]
Disclaimers:
Light 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.
Additional Description:
A 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.
This 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.
The text includes engraved devotional plates, a chromolithographic title vignette, and liturgical content for the Easter octave period. The book retains its original ribbon marker.
A 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.
The 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.
Era:
Late 19th century (published 1879; presentation dated 1885)
History:
Alfred 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.
Books like this were often treasured family keepsakes, which explains the personalized monogram and presentation date preserved in this example.
Provenance:
France
Materials:
Morocco leather binding
Moiré silk doublures
Gilt dentelle decoration
Gilt page edges with hidden marbled fore-edge
Paper with engraved and chromolithographic illustrations
Dimensions:
[leave blank]
Disclaimers:
Light 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.