Collectif - L'Univers illustré - 1880-1881

Superb set of 4 leather-bound volumes of the famous weekly journal "L'Univers Illustré", covering the entire years 1880 and 1881 (split into First and Second Semesters for each year).

Edited in Paris by Librairie de Calmann Lévy (Formerly Maison Michel Lévy frères), this journal is a formidable historical, social and cultural witness of the late 19th century.

Each volume begins with a title page illustrated by two angels and contains an exhaustive table of contents at the end of each semester, facilitating thematic research.

The volumes are brimming with beautiful full-page and double-page wood engravings, comic strips and humorous reviews (notably by the caricaturist Draner) as well as illustrated reports on the international news of the time (e.g., the assassination of Mr. Wallon in Sumatra, scenes in Albania, or worldly chronicles in Baden-Baden).

Lot details:
Publisher: Calmann Lévy, Paris
Years: 1880 (Semesters 1 & 2) and 1881 (Semesters 1 & 2)
Number of volumes: 4
Format: Large folio (dimensions of period newspapers)
Condition:
Binding: Period half-binding in skivertex or dark green morocco with marbled boards, spine browned with the title, year and semester number indicated
The bindings are solid but show normal signs of wear for their age: rubbing on the edges and headbands, slightly worn corners (see photos).
Interior: Overall good condition. The paper is clean with good freshness of the engravings. Some scattered foxing and usage creases inherent to the type of newspaper paper of that era, without impact on reading or the beauty of the illustrations.