Arthur Loth / Louis Veuillot - Saint Vincent de Paul et sa mission sociale — reliure d’éditeur décorée - 1880

LOTH (Arthur). Saint Vincent de Paul and his social mission. Introduction by Louis Veuillot; appendices by Ad. Baudon, P. B. and L. B., E. Cartier and Auguste Roussel.
Paris, Librairie de D. Dumoulin et Cie, 1880. One volume, 23x32 cm, 525 pp., illustrations in black and color plates.

An important monograph devoted to Vincent de Paul and the social scope of his work, gathering biographical study, history of charitable institutions and an evocation of their development. Arthur Loth, a former student of the École des Chartes, surveys the saint through the works he inspires: aid to the poor, care for the sick, assistance to children and the activity of religious communities. The introduction by Louis Veuillot and the appendices extend this reading into the realms of literature, art and charity.

The edition is distinguished by abundant illustration, mixing black-and-white engravings and chromolithographs. Religious scenes, representations of charitable works, portraits and architectural views accompany the text. The color plates present precise drawings and decorative frames; a reproduction of a manuscript document completes this program. The title is printed in red and black.

Publisher’s half-red morocco binding, smooth spine richly ornamented, covers decorated with an ample composition of interlacing, geometric frames and black-and-gold floral motifs; gold title in the central cartouche of the first cover, gilded figurative composition on the second cover. This decoration, very prominent, makes the work a fine example of the great illustrated religious editions of the late 19th century.

Condition: rubbing and minor scuffs on the spine, joints and ends, wear to the corners and edges, small superficial losses of material. Foxing and occasional stains on the paper. The color plates photographically reproduced retain good intensity, and the gold decoration on the covers remains well preserved.