Three exquisite French Catholic devotional books spanning 1872-1940s, each bound in full leather with exceptional gilt tooling, raised bands, and ornate decorative elements. Discovered at an antique bookseller in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this collection features the 1872 "L'Imitation de Jésus-Christ" published by the prestigious Alfred Mame et Fils with rare luxurious moiré silk endpapers and gilt borders, a beautifully illustrated 1940s "Missel Romain" with color plates after Raphael from Maison Mame in Tours, and an Art Nouveau pocket missal from circa 1890 with elaborate gilt floral borders—each containing vintage French prayer cards tenderly tucked between their pages by previous owners. These devotional treasures from France's most esteemed Catholic publisher represent 152 years of faith, artistry, and the refined bookbinding craftsmanship that made Maison Mame legendary, offering both serious collectors of religious books and interior designers an opportunity to own museum-quality examples of belle époque French devotional publishing.
Details & Care
Material: Paper, Leather
Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 4" x 1" - 6" x 4 1/4" x 1 1/2"
Pamela's notes
I discovered these at an antique bookseller in the south of France last summer and was drawn to how you can sense the reverence with which they were held, several still have prayer cards tucked between pages by their original owners. I love what antique books bring to a room: character, history, depth. This set is particularly beautiful stacked on a bedside table or console where their gilt spines catch the light.
Three exquisite French Catholic devotional books spanning 1872-1940s, each bound in full leather with exceptional gilt tooling, raised bands, and ornate decorative elements. Discovered at an antique bookseller in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this collection features the 1872 "L'Imitation de Jésus-Christ" published by the prestigious Alfred Mame et Fils with rare luxurious moiré silk endpapers and gilt borders, a beautifully illustrated 1940s "Missel Romain" with color plates after Raphael from Maison Mame in Tours, and an Art Nouveau pocket missal from circa 1890 with elaborate gilt floral borders—each containing vintage French prayer cards tenderly tucked between their pages by previous owners. These devotional treasures from France's most esteemed Catholic publisher represent 152 years of faith, artistry, and the refined bookbinding craftsmanship that made Maison Mame legendary, offering both serious collectors of religious books and interior designers an opportunity to own museum-quality examples of belle époque French devotional publishing.
Details & Care
Material: Paper, Leather
Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 4" x 1" - 6" x 4 1/4" x 1 1/2"
Pamela's notes
I discovered these at an antique bookseller in the south of France last summer and was drawn to how you can sense the reverence with which they were held, several still have prayer cards tucked between pages by their original owners. I love what antique books bring to a room: character, history, depth. This set is particularly beautiful stacked on a bedside table or console where their gilt spines catch the light.
