Very Complete Roman Missal No. 79 (1894) | Deluxe Three-Piece Leather Missal Set | Alfred Mame

A unique antique three-volume edition of the Paroissien Romain Très Complet, printed in 1894 by the renowned French publisher Alfred Mame et Fils of Tours. This luxury edition consists of the Printemps, Automne, and Hiver volumes and is bound in richly decorated leather with gilt page edges.

What makes this edition special is the high-quality bookbinding. The books feature beautiful gilt edges that reveal a hidden marbled decoration when opened, a sophisticated binding technique characteristic of luxury French editions from the late nineteenth century. The richly decorated endpapers, original steel engravings, and gilt inner edges also underscore the quality of this edition.

A Paroissien Romain was a personal Catholic missal for laypeople and contained not only the fixed Mass but also prayers, liturgical explanations, feast days of saints, and the church calendar. The addition of "Très Complet" refers to the comprehensive content of this publication.

Given their age of over 130 years, the books are in beautiful antique condition. The gilt edges have been remarkably well preserved, the interior is clean, and the bindings appear sturdy. One volume shows wear at the base of the spine, and the covers have minor signs of use consistent with their age.

This set consists of the Printemps, Automne, and Hiver volumes. According to bibliographic sources, edition N°79 was typically issued as a four-volume seasonal set, suggesting the Été (Summer) volume is missing.

An atmospheric and high-quality edition that will appeal to collectors of religious antiquarian books as well as enthusiasts of classical bookbinding.

Specifications

• Title: Paroissien Romain Très Complet
• Publisher: Alfred Mame et Fils
• Location: Tours, France
• Year: 1894
• Edition: N°79
• Language: French
• Volumes included: Printemps, Automne, and Hiver
• Volume Été is presumably missing
• Luxury leather bindings
• Gilt page edges with hidden marbled decoration
• Richly decorated endpapers
• Original steel engravings
• Height: approx. 10.5 cm
• Thickness: approx. 3 cm per volume
• Condition: Good antique state with normal signs of age