Mlle A. Guilbert, sous la direction de l'abbé Des Billiers, chanoine honoraire de Langres. - Livre d'Heures – Reliure signée Gruel Frères - 1882

Book of Hours – 1882 – Luxury binding signed Gruel Frères – Moroccan leather – Metallic monogram – Gilded edges

Magnificent Book of Hours or Offices of the Church, a French religious work from the 19th century, dated 1882, remarkable for its sumptuous binding and the finesse of its illustrations inspired by medieval art.

Full title: Book of Hours or Offices of the Church, illustrated after the manuscripts of the Bibliothèque du Roi.

Illustrations by Mlle A. Guilbert, under the direction of Abbé Des Billiers, honorary canon of Langres.

A remarkable bibliophilic binding

The work features an elegant binding in dark brown leather, grainy Moroccan leather appearance, bearing an imposing ornamental metallic monogram in relief on the first cover.

The endpapers are dressed with a superb Bordeaux shimmering silk, surrounded by a rich inner gold lace with floral motifs.

The binding bears the signature “Gruel Frères – Paris”, a Paris workshop renowned for its luxury bindings.

The three edges of the volume are fully gilded, offering a refined finish.

Illustrations and content

The interior presents a black-and-white print inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts.

Inside you will find:

- A magnificent Gothic-style title page.
- Finely detailed religious illustrations.
- Floral and ornamental borders.
- Gothic typefaces.
- An illustrated liturgical calendar.
- Prayers and religious offices.

The whole testifies to the 19th-century bibliophilic taste for religious works inspired by ancient manuscripts.

Features

- Title: Book of Hours or Offices of the Church
- Date: 1882
- Country: France
- Language: French
- Binding: Dark brown leather, Moroccan appearance
- Binder: Gruel Frères – Paris
- Decoration: Metallic relief monogram
- Linings: Bordeaux shimmering silk
- Ornamentation: Gold inner lace
- Edges: Gilded on three sides
- Illustrations: Black and white
- Height: About 20 cm

Condition

Good overall condition for this old volume, with natural patina on the leather and light signs of use related to its age.

The metallic monogram is present, the gilding remains clearly visible, and the silk linings retain their attractive appearance.

Completeness remains to be verified.

A fine 19th-century religious bibliophilia copy, particularly interesting for collectors of antique bindings, Books of Hours, and decorative religious works.