1/200 Massillon ex-libris - Petit Carême - 1789

Exceptional copy on Velin of the "Petit Carême" by Massillon, a masterpiece of French eloquence, printed by Didot l'Aîné in 1789. This edition is part of the prestigious collection of "French and Latin Classical Authors," printed by order of King Louis XVI for the education of the Dauphin.

Prestige provenance: This copy features a handwritten dedication signed by Gaston Magne, son of Napoleon III’s Finance Minister, Pierre Magne, dated July 1864. It is addressed to Abbé Émile-Antoine Blampignon (1830-1906), Doctor of Theology and professor at the Sorbonne. It reads: “I beg Monsieur l’abbé Blampignon to have the kindness to accept this book; may he remember when he opens it that I studied here under his auspices. Very grateful, Gaston Magne.”

Limited edition: One of the rare copies (total edition of only 200 copies) printed on velin paper from the workshop of Messrs. Dervaud and Brothers Henry of Angoulême. Printer Didot l'Aîné (types by Firmin Didot).

Luxury binding: Full red morocco of period (or early 19th century). Spine with raised bands richly ornamented with fleuronné compartments in fine gold. Triple gilt fillets framing the boards. All edges gilded. Endpapers in comb-marbled paper.

Binding: Attractive overall appearance. Wear at the headcaps and corners (slightly blunted). Joints rubbed but solid. The leather retains a very beautiful color.

Interior: Very fresh. The vellum paper remains quite white. A few scattered foxing specks.