Divers - L’Imitation de Jésus-Christ. - 1855

2 volumes.
Book no. 1 — 680 pages - 13.5 cm x 10 cm.
The Imitation of Christ, translated with reflections at the end of each chapter by Félicité de Lamennais. Lyon, Bauchu, bookseller-publisher.
Paris, A. Bray, publisher, rue des Saints-Pères, 1855. Printed in Lyon by Louis Perrin, with the note, Exhibition of 1855.
Elegant religious edition from the mid-19th century, published under the Second Empire, in a remarkable devotional binding.
Small volume of 13.5 × 10 cm, comprising 680 pages. Full brown leather binding with fine grain, boards framed by blind fillets, rounded spine with nerves decorated by fillets, Imitation of Jesus-Christ, stamped in blind. The volume is fitted with two ornate metal clasps, fixed to the boards, with a delicate neogothic-inspired openwork decoration.
A particularly decorative feature: the edges are painted red and dotted with small gold crosses, forming a rich decoration visible when the book is closed. A beautiful illustrated title page in color depicting angels musicians surrounding the title Imitation of Jesus-Christ.
The work is illustrated, notably by religious engravings. The overall quality of execution is characteristic of luxury devotional books produced in the mid-19th century.
Good general condition for a book from 1855. Sturdy binding showing rubbing, minor wear and superficial losses mainly at the headcaps, edges, corners and borders. The two clasps are present. Decorated edges well preserved with some signs of use. Interior generally clean.

Book no. 2 — Small format, 225 pages
Imitation of Christ, translated by Father Gonnelieu, of the Society of Jesus. New edition preceded by Prayers during the Holy Mass and by Vespers and Compline for Sunday. Paris, Fonteney and Peltier, publishers.
Charming miniature devotional book from the mid-19th century, 10 cm × 7 cm, 225 pages.
Very fine red morocco-grain leather binding, boards framed by blind fillets, spine with nerves and golden title, Imitation of Jesus-Christ. The first board features two long golden metal clasps, richly cut and ending in a Gothic-inspired stylized decoration.
Gilded edges all around, giving the closed volume a particularly precious appearance. The flyleaves also feature a rich gold decoration visible along the border.
The work has a frontispiece engraved with the depicted Christ, protected by a serpent, followed by the typographic title page.
Overall, a fine example of a personal small book of piety from the Napoleonic era III, designed both as a religious work and as a precious object to keep and transport.
Good general condition. Red leather retains a beautiful color, with some rubbing and small wear on corners, headcaps and borders. The two clasps are present. Gilding on the edges well preserved. Interior clean with a few light age-related marks.
Photos are an integral part of the description.
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