Histoire de la Reine Blanche, Mère de Saint Louis (1856) | French Cartonnage Romantique | Théodore Nisard

Published in Tours in 1856 by A. Mame et Cie, Histoire de la Reine Blanche, Mère de Saint Louis is a beautifully produced 19th-century French historical work by Théodore Nisard, written for a broad readership with particular appeal to younger audiences. Nisard, a respected literary and historical figure of the nineteenth century, recounts the life of Blanche of Castile—Queen of France and mother of Saint Louis—one of the most influential women of the medieval French court.

This nouvelle édition, in its original cartonnage romantique, features an elaborate polychrome decorative binding with gilt highlights and a central illustrated vignette to the upper board. The design exemplifies mid-century French publisher’s bindings, prized today for their craftsmanship and visual richness.

The volume is complete and retains its engraved frontispiece, with clean, legible text throughout. An attractive and historically resonant example for collectors of French decorative bindings, medieval history, or 19th-century religious and educational literature.

Condition: Very Good

Binding secure. Rubbing to edges and corners, light surface wear to boards, and mild toning and scattered light foxing to interior pages. 

Size: 4 1/2” x 7”

A richly decorative French volume that captures both the artistry of cartonnage romantique and the enduring legacy of medieval France.