Hameau - Contes de Droite et de Gauche - 1900

ORIENTAL TALES AND MORAL FABLES IN THE REFINED PARISIAN PUBLISHING OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE
Elegant illustrated edition of Contes de Droite et de Gauche Réunis by L. Hameau, published by Librairie Gedalge in Paris. The volume collects tales set in the East, popular legends, and moral fairy tales intended for an educated and youthful public, in keeping with the French publishing tradition at the end of the 19th century. The work is distinguished by its rich decorative apparatus, with inserted plates, vignettes, large historiated initials, and refined typographic borders, as well as by the splendid multicolored publisher’s binding in blue cloth with rich gold impressions.
WHY TO BUY
Refined original publisher’s binding in multicolored cloth and gold.
Elegant illustrative apparatus with plates and numerous typographic decorations.
Interesting collection of oriental, popular, and moral tales.
Valued production of Librairie Gedalge, an important Parisian publisher specialized in illustrated books and school prizes.
Volume of notable aesthetic impact, ideal for collectors of 19th-century French illustrated publishing.

MARKET VALUE
The illustrated editions published by Librairie Gedalge from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century enjoy a stable market, especially when they preserve the original publisher’s binding in excellent condition. Similar copies of this title are generally offered on the international antiquarian market between 60 and 150 euros, with higher valuations for particularly fresh, complete, and well-preserved copies.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Original publisher’s binding in blue cloth with rich floral decorations pressed in gold on the spine and covers. Spine shows some wear at the ends. Complete interior with numerous in-text illustrations, large figurative initials, borders and decorative tails. Paper with some foxing and natural browning. Bindings slightly loose. In ancient books with a centuries-long history, a few imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description. Pp. (2); 4nn; 242; 2nn; (2).

FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Contes de Droite et de Gauche.
Paris, Librairie Gedalge.
L. Hameau.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The work belongs to the successful French tradition of moral and adventure story collections intended for both family reading and school prizes. Through Chinese, oriental, and fantastical settings, the tales address universal themes such as justice, brotherhood, generosity, courage, and wisdom. The illustrations contribute to a strong narrative impact, blending Orientalist taste, Art Nouveau decoration, and French typographic tradition.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Today, L. Hameau is mainly known for narrative works aimed at young people and students, published by Librairie Gedalge. His production sits within French educational literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by the combination of moral intent, engaging storytelling, and a refined editorial presentation.

PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
Librairie Gedalge, founded in Paris in the latter half of the 19th century, was one of the leading French publishers specializing in school books, prize volumes, and high-quality illustrated works, often characterized by elegant, multicolored publisher’s bindings. This volume represents a typical example of this high-quality production intended both for reading and for the aesthetic enhancement of the book.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Librairie Gedalge, Paris.
Catalogues of Librairie Gedalge.
International antique catalogues (AbeBooks, ILAB).