French Pilgrim's Book 'Manuel du Pèlerinage à Notre-Dame de la Garde' (1864) | Gilt edge | Marseille

An authentic French pilgrim's book from 1864, published on the occasion of the pilgrimage to the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille. This compact devotional book was written by M. l'Abbé Bayle and published by the local publisher Eugène Michel, who was closely associated with the religious life of Marseille.

The book is bound in a beautiful blind-stamped black publisher's binding with a gilt spine title and original gilt edges. Inside is a detailed engraving of Notre-Dame de la Garde with the inscription Souvenir du 5 Juin 1864, followed by prayers, mass texts, and pilgrim meditations in French.

The original marbled endpapers have been preserved, and the book block remains remarkably firm. The gilt edges are largely very well preserved and contribute to the refined appearance of this antique book.

The binding shows wear to the corners and spine, consistent with intensive use over more than 160 years. In addition, there are some dog-eared pages, light foxing, and limited traces of moisture. Despite these signs of wear, it remains a complete and attractive copy with a strong historical appeal.

Specifications

• Title: Manuel du Pèlerinage à Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Author: M. l'Abbé Bayle
• Year: 1864
• Publisher: Eugène Michel
• Place of publication: Marseille
• Language: French
• Origin: France
• Binding: Blind-stamped bookbinding cloth
• Gilt spine title
• Original gilt edges
• Frontispiece featuring Notre-Dame de la Garde
• Original marbled endpapers
• Height: approx. 12 cm
• Thickness: approx. 2 cm
• Condition: Good antique condition with signs of wear consistent with its age. Book block firm and complete.