A beautiful early Victorian French cartonnage book, Les Petits Solitaires de la Vallée d’Aoste, which translates to The Little Solitaries of the Aosta Valley, by Victor Doublet. Published in Paris and Dijon in 1847.
Created as an illustrated moral work for young readers, the book features engraved illustrations throughout, including a wonderful frontispiece. The binding is especially striking with its white, gold and silver cartonnage cover accented by tiny hand colored blue and yellow flowers, with elaborate scrolling decoration continuing onto the spine and back cover.
Very good antique condition overall. The spine is particularly well preserved with minimal wear. Light rubbing to the corners and edges consistent with age. The covers retain strong gilt and silver decoration with some expected surface wear, and the interior shows scattered foxing and toning.
