1861 - Beautes du Spectacle de la Nature ou Entretiens sur L’Histoire Naturelle

Title translation: Beauties of the Spectacle of Nature or Conversations on Natural History

Published 1861
Mame, Publishers/ Tours, France

In the 19th century, France witnessed a remarkable era of artistic and luxurious bookbinding known as cartonnage. Cartonnage bindings emerged as a popular form of decorative coverings for books, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the time. These bindings were typically made from stiffened pasteboard or cardboard, covered in decorative paper or silk fabrics adorned with intricate designs, gold tooling, and vibrant colors.

French cartonnage bindings of the 19th century often incorporated various techniques such as embossing, gilding, and marbling to create visually striking covers that captivated the eyes of book lovers and collectors alike.

Hardcover. Stunning cartonnage binding. White with elaborate gilt and blue design to both boards and spine. Illustrated nature scene paste-down to front board. Frontispiece/engraving with tissue guard. Binding tight. 

Size: 4 1/2” x 7 1/2”