Une Vertu par Histoire - Rosine de La Salle Midy - Ad. Mame et Cie, Tours 1848

A richly illustrated French children's book from 1848, written by Rosine de La Salle Midy under the name Mme Th. Midy. Une Vertu par Histoire belongs to the moralizing children's literature of the mid-19th century, in which historical and narrative examples were used to introduce young readers to virtues such as courage, benevolence, and honesty.

This 9th edition was published in Tours by Ad. Mame et Cie and is presented in characteristic Romantic publisher's cloth. The cream-colored cover is extensively decorated on the front and back with gold-colored ornamentation and blue accents. The spine is also provided with continuous floral decoration.

The interior contains several full-page engravings, a separately engraved title page, and several stories with historical and educational themes. It is striking that the engraved title page still bears the name of the previous publisher R. Pornin et Cie, while the official title page mentions Ad. Mame et Cie and the year 1848.

A beautifully preserved example of French illustrated children's literature and decorative book production from the mid-19th century.

• Author: Rosine de La Salle Midy, listed as Mme Th. Midy
• Title: Une Vertu par Histoire
• Edition: 9th edition
• Publisher: Ad. Mame et Cie, Imprimeurs-Libraires
• Place of publication: Tours, France
• Year: 1848
• Language: French
• Genre: moralizing and educational children's literature
• Series/context: Gymnase Moral d'Éducation
• Binding: decorated Romantic publisher's cloth
• Decoration: gold-colored ornamentation with blue accents
• Illustrations: several full-page engravings and engraved title page
• Extent: 258 pages of text, followed by table of contents
• Dimensions: approx. 19 × 11.5 cm
• Thickness: approx. 2 cm
• Origin: France
• Condition: good antiquarian condition for its age. The binding is reasonably good. The cover shows clear signs of age and use, with wear to the decoration, edges, corners, and spine. Interior with scattered foxing, discoloration, and some signs of use. Old ownership and inventory notes present.