La Duchesse-Anne: Histoire d’une Frégate — Olivier Le Gall — 1861 French Illustrated Cartonnage

A handsome 1861 French maritime adventure, La Duchesse-Anne: Histoire d’une Frégate, by Olivier Le Gall. This third edition was published by Alfred Mame et Cie. of Tours and tells the story of the frigate La Duchesse-Anne, with scenes of life at sea, shipboard peril, and far-reaching adventure.

The volume is housed in a richly colored green, pink, blue, white, and gilt pictorial cartonnage binding. The front board features a sailing vessel and sailor vignette, while the reverse displays an elaborate geometric design. The book is illustrated throughout with dramatic engraved plates, including maritime scenes and a finely detailed pastoral illustration.

This is a quintessential example of French decorative publishing in the mid-19th century — combining literary charm with elaborate gilt artistry and a hand-painted vignette. Such bindings were often produced as treasured gift books, making them highly sought after by collectors of cartonnage and fine French literature.

Binding tight. Pages crisp and attractive. A beautifully preserved and highly displayable example overall.

Size: 4 1/2” x 6”

A stunning addition for collectors of French cartonnage romantique, maritime fiction, and richly illustrated nineteenth-century books.