Paroissien. Elzevir. Rite Romain.
Paris: Gruel Engelmann, 1870; 1889. Three 12mo. vols, each a distinct copy of Engelmann's production; one from the 1870 first issue, and two from the later 1889 issues. (iv), 628; (xii), 649, (ii); (vi), 649, (2)pp. Two- and three-line initials, woodcut illustrations in the fashion of medieval religious imagery, and, in only the 1889 copies, chromolithographs inserted as plates ornament this French parishoner's handbook to Catholic rites. As a set, they are a case study in the evolution of a book. The 1870 issuance has no plates and no separate page for its colophon, and the printer, Jouaust, is locate on Rue St-Honore; the earlier 1889 issuance has one plate, an additional twenty pages, a longer index, a colophon on a separate page, and Jouaust has apparently moved to Rue de Lille; the later 1889 issuance has the additional pages, extended index, distinct colophon, and new address, as well as a dozen or so more color plates.
Each volume distinctly bound by Gruel. The 1870 copy is in full orange morocco, with considerable embossing in blind, including on both covers a central roundel showing The Last Supper; also with five raised bands, striped headbands, gilt dentelles, turn-ins, and Gruel's name stamped at tail of spine, a green ribbon, patterned endpapers, and two metal clasps; a.e.g. This copy shows inconsequential bumps to corners, else fine. The earlier 1889 copy is in full red morocco with embossing both in gilt and in blind with two concentric double rules and myriad delicate ornaments to both covers and to spine; five raised bands, striped headbands, gilt dentelles, turn-ins, and Gruel's name stamped at tail of spine, a yellow ribbon, and red silk endpapers; a.e.g. and foreedge when splayed shows marbling. Some rubbing to corners and moments of loss to gilt, spine toned, ribbon torn but present, near fine. Laid in to this copy are two contemporary illustrated cards. The later 1889 copy is in full blue morocco; five raised bands, striped headbands, gilt dentelles, turn-ins, and Gruel's name stamped at tail of spine, pale blue ribbon, two metal-and-leather clasps, and blue silk endpapers, the front flyleaf of which has a previous owner's monogram stamped in gold; a.e.g. with wraparound gauffering. Spine toned, else fine. All copies housed together in three-compartment slipcase. Item #31405
Price: $1,750.00