{"product_id":"french-gilt-edged-leather-devotional-book-l-imitation-de-jesus-christ-alfred-mame-tours-1883","title":"French Gilt-Edged Leather Devotional Book — L’Imitation de Jésus-Christ, Alfred Mame, Tours (1883)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description:\u003cbr\u003eA finely bound 19th-century French Catholic devotional book titled L’Imitation de Jésus-Christ, published in Tours in 1883 by Alfred Mame et Fils, one of the most important religious publishers in France during the 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe volume is bound in brown leather with gilt tooling to the spine, featuring raised bands and fleur-de-lis decorative motifs. The covers are decorated with elegant gilt-ruled panels, including a striking geometric panel design with blue-toned inlay panels filled with repeating gilt fleur-de-lis ornaments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe text block retains bright gilt edges, and the interior is richly printed with ornamental religious illustrations, including full-page devotional engravings and decorative borders. The book includes a printed frontispiece illustration of the Holy Trinity and additional devotional imagery throughout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe interior doublures feature silk moiré endpapers framed by an elaborate gilt dentelle border, reflecting the high-quality presentation bindings produced by Alfred Mame for devotional use and gift-giving in the late 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA devotional card depicting the Apparition of Notre-Dame de Lourdes to Saint Bernadette is preserved inside the volume.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book retains its original ribbon marker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra:\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th century (1883)\u003cbr\u003eFrench Catholic devotional binding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory:\u003cbr\u003eThe Imitation of Christ (originally written in the 15th century and attributed to Thomas à Kempis) is one of the most widely read Christian devotional texts in history. By the 19th century, French publishers such as Alfred Mame specialized in producing finely bound editions intended for personal devotion, First Communion gifts, and religious presentation copies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlfred Mame et Fils of Tours was internationally known for producing high-quality Catholic books featuring elaborate bindings, gilt decoration, engraved illustrations, and silk endpapers. Their devotional books remain highly collectible today for both their craftsmanship and religious significance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fleur-de-lis decorative motifs reflect traditional French Catholic symbolism and were commonly used in religious bindings produced in Tours during this period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance:\u003cbr\u003eFrance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials:\u003cbr\u003eLeather binding\u003cbr\u003eGilt tooling and decoration\u003cbr\u003eSilk moiré endpapers\u003cbr\u003ePaper text block with gilt edges\u003cbr\u003eRibbon bookmark\u003cbr\u003ePrinted devotional engravings\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e[leave blank]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers:\u003cbr\u003eLight wear to leather binding consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003eMinor rubbing to corners and spine edges.\u003cbr\u003eInterior remains clean and structurally sound.\u003cbr\u003eDevotional card shows age-related spotting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48143831630079,"sku":null,"price":255.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/36dbbcb4-02a8-4d13-9878-c5d74415f5fd.png?v=1770342350","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/french-gilt-edged-leather-devotional-book-l-imitation-de-jesus-christ-alfred-mame-tours-1883","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}