Works of Alphonse de Lamartine | Laurent Brothers, Publishers, Brussels 1830 | Jobard Lithographs

A remarkably small literary collection from the early period of French Romanticism. This Brussels edition of the works of Alphonse de Lamartine was published in 1830 by Laurent Frères, making it nearly two centuries old.

Lamartine is considered one of the most important poets of French Romanticism. This extensive collection contains his early poetry and Méditations, including famous works such as L'Isolement, L'Immortalité, Le Vallon, Elvire, and Le Lac. Le Lac, in particular, is among his most well-known poems and was inspired by Lamartine's memories of Julie Charles, who appears in his poetry as Elvire.

The book was published during Lamartine's lifetime and during a pivotal period of European Romanticism. In addition to poetry, the volume contains various other works and poems, including La Mort de Socrate, Le Chant du Sacre, and texts addressed to Victor Hugo and others.

The lithographic illustrations included are particularly noteworthy. These are linked to the Brussels lithographic workshop of Jobard, an important name in early Belgian lithography. On one of the illustrations, the initials “J.J.” are visible alongside “Lith. de Jobard”.

The original craftsmanship also makes this book an attractive object. The compact volume is bound with a richly decorated leather spine featuring raised bands, gilt-stamped ornaments, and the title DE LAMARTINE. The interior contains striking hand-marbled endpapers in black, red, and yellow. The original fabric ribbon marker has also been preserved.

A characterful book of great content interest from 1830, in which literary history, early Belgian lithography, and traditional 19th-century bookbinding converge.

Specifications

• Author: Alphonse de Lamartine
• Title: Oeuvres d'Alphonse de Lamartine
• Publisher: Laurent Frères, Éditeurs
• Place of publication: Brussels
• Year: 1830
• Language: French
• Subject: French Romanticism, poetry, and literature
• Illustrations: lithographs
• Lithographic workshop: Jobard, Brussels
• Illustration signature: J.J. and Lith. de Jobard
• Binding: half-leather with gilt-stamped spine
• Endpapers: marbled
• Pagination: table of contents goes up to page 588
• Dimensions: approx. 11.5 × 7 cm
• Thickness: approx. 2.5 cm
• Condition: reasonable antique condition. Clear signs of wear and damage to the binding and spine, particularly at the ends and corners. The front hinge is weakened but still intact. The interior is generally well-preserved for its age, with age-related toning, local foxing, spots, and some minor edge damage. See photos for the full condition.