A wonderfully decorative two-volume set of antique French books dating from 1843, published in Limoges by Barbou Frères.

Entitled Choix de Lettres Morales de Mesdames de Sévigné, Grignan, Maintenon et Simiane, the books formed part of the Bibliothèque Chrétienne et Morale, a collection approved for educational use by the Bishop of Limoges.

Both volumes retain their striking original dark bindings, richly decorated with elegant gilt scrolling and architectural ornament to the boards and spines. Inside are beautifully executed engraved portraits, including Madame de Sévigné and Madame de Grignan, together with further engraved illustrations.

Published in 1843, these are now over 180 years old and have acquired exactly the sort of time-worn character that makes early French books so appealing as decorative objects.

The pair show considerable age and use, including rubbing and losses to the bindings and spines, foxing, staining and water marking to the pages, together with some looseness and damage to internal tissue guards/pages. They are therefore offered primarily as beautiful decorative antique books rather than fine-condition collectors’ copies. Please study the photographs carefully.

Wonderful displayed together on a table, beneath a small objet or simply stacked amongst other antique French treasures.

Date: 1843

Publisher: Barbou Frères, Limoges, France

Volumes: Tomes I & II

Language: French

Dimensions: approximately 18 × 11 × 2 cm each