LES ROIS ET REINES DE FRANCE en Estampes

Paris Maison Martinet --Haute Coeur, Freres, N.d. (ca. 1854).. Oblong 4to., publisher’s black pebbled cloth with outer blind-blocked borders. Filling most of the front cover is an oval cartouche composed of paired gilt swags and Royal coats-of-arms, some of which are decorated with colored paper onlays onlaid in gilt (Red, Blue, Orange and Green)., in the manner of the bindings described by Sophie Malavieille in her book, Reliures et cartonnages d’editeur en France au XIXe siecle (1815-1865). Rear cover with simple blind-blocked stamping; a.e.g. In fresh, bright condition. In 20 lithographed, hand colored plates, the work depicts the history of the French monarchy, IN COSTUME, beginning with the reign of Pharamond [420-428 A.D.], right on through to the Empire and the reign of Napoleon III and The Empress Eugenie [1853]. The attractive plates, signed by Eugene Lejeune, each show four or more of the royal figures, many of whom hold the emblems of authority in their hands. the accompanying text, which is occasionally lightly spotted, provides the necessary background. There is a Resume Chronologique at the end followed by two pages of publisher’s ads. A very NICE COPY of a very attractive book in the original publisher’s decorative binding. IN THE PUBLISHER’S ONLAID-DECORATED BINDING