Antique Nineteenth Century Romantic Binding: Journal de la Jeunesse" circa 1877

The binding is of red percoline which has been blind embossed with a wide one-inch, ribbed frame. A special plaque was made by an individual artist, of steel, in which the cover design was carefully etched. To apply the design to the cover board, the plaque was heated and dipped in gilt and pressed into the cover boards and spine to produce a brilliant embossed appearance. The publisher's name, "Hachette & Cie" is stamped in gold at the bottom of the front cover board. The spine is gilt embossed with the title and year. The back cover board has a central blind embossed mosaic circle medallion.

The text is a collection of short stories, articles of history, science, art and literature which were featured in the weekly publication of the "Journal de la Jeunesse". At the end of each year, the publisher would print the entire year's publications into one commemorative binding. These bindings were very collectable in their time, and families eagerly awaited the yearly edition.

The text is in French and is enhanced by numerous vignette illustrations. The text is easily read by an intermediate French student and is still interesting today due to the wide variety of articles. The pages edges are gilt edged. The binding measures: 11 1/8" x 8" and is 1" thick.

The book is in very good condition. There is slight darkening to the percoline from over 100 years of use and age. There is foxing to the text as is typical with age. The gilt embossed designs remain brilliant with no chipping or wear.

The color and cherubic design make this a brilliant display book.

Item ID: LC67