Masson - Napoléon et les femmes - 1906

elaborately equipped, bibliophile deluxe edition of one of the most significant works by Masson on Napoleon's private and political sphere, in a luxurious red original morocco binding with rich gilding on the spine, covers, edges, and inner and outer edges, and head gilding.

One of only 50 numbered copies of the deluxe edition on “papier des Manufactures impériales du Japon,” personally signed by the author in the printing note.
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The illustration follows a representative, scientifically grounded concept: 27 plates, including 9 reproductions of contemporary documents and 18 portrait plates in two states (usually one of them in color). Additionally, 10 vignettes in plate repeats appear, underscoring the band’s iconographic impact.

In terms of content, Masson explores the role of women in Napoleon's life, linking biographical, cultural-historical, and psychological perspectives. Topics include his youth, the meeting with Joséphine de Beauharnais, familial and courtly networks, and the political function of relationships, marriages, and female influence within the Napoleonic system. The work rests on extensive source material – letters, memoirs, documents – and combines narrative presentation with historical analysis.

Luxurious full leather binding from the period — signed DURVAND (Lucien) [1852-1924] — a French bookbinder who founded his own workshop around 1890 and entered a partnership with Iret. By the end of the 19th century he signed bindings under the name Durvand-Iret. Afterwards he ran the business under his own name and employed 16 workers. He had a renowned clientele, which also included bibliophiles. He was awarded a silver medal at the 1900 World Exhibition.
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Spine professionally renewed, lightly rubbed, otherwise a very nice copy