Antique French Gilt-Stamped Mame Cartonnage Book, Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse Chrétienne, Tours

A small French book in a binding that would like you to know it was a prize. It was published by Mame et Cie of Tours for the Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse Chrétienne, the series of improving books "approved by Monseigneur the Archbishop of Tours" that French children received for good conduct and, presumably, good attendance.

The cover is deep aubergine cloth, stamped all over in gilt: a lattice-filled central cartouche ringed by a scalloped, beaded oval, then garlands of tiny flowers and scrolling strapwork out to the corners. The spine is green and decorated to match. Inside, the series title page and the Mame publisher's list, with the house's printed signature "Propriété des Éditeurs," are intact and crisp.

It is the right size for a nightstand, a stack of other small, serious books, or a hand that enjoys holding something beautifully made.

Details

• Publisher: Alfred Mame et Cie, Tours
• Series: Bibliothèque de la Jeunesse Chrétienne
• Language: French
• Binding: gilt-stamped publisher's cloth; decorated spine
• Condition: one small pale mark in the center of the front cover; light rubbing and wear to the spine and edges consistent with age. Please review all photos.