Théodore Cahu / Paul de Sémant - Histoire de Jeanne d'Arc [Cartonnage polychrome] - 1895

First edition and first title of the series Heroes of France told to children, written by Théodore Cahu (1854 - 1928), a writer and director of the secretariat of General Boulanger.

This very beautiful album is dedicated to Joan of Arc.

Rare, preserved in its very beautiful publisher’s box signed by Engel, in green percaline, the front cover stamped with a Souze plate made after the frontispiece, in gold, silver, and colors.

The splendid illustrations consist of 41 large plates, lithographed in black and hand-colored with stencils by Paul de Sémant, pseudonym of Paul Cousturier (1855 - 1915), who was also the author of works for youth.

A fine specimen. Rare title, the first of the collection.
Solid binding, the percaline slightly rubbed at the headbands and edges of the covers (with some brown stains on the edges and hinges), three rubbed corners, some marks on the percaline, bright gilding. Interior clean and fresh, slightly yellowed margins, free of foxing.
Very good overall condition.

Théodore Cahu / Paul de Sémant
History of Joan of Arc
Paris, Jouvet et Cie, no date (1895) [Heroes of France Told to Children]
in-4 oblong 'in the Italian style'; 78 (1) pages (complete)

Subject: Polychrome Cartonnage of Jeanne d'Arc Told by Th. Cahu, Color Plates by P. De Semant, 1895