Napoleon and Women: Love - Frédéric Masson - Librairie Borel, Paris 1897

A beautifully illustrated French history book from 1897, written by historian Frédéric Masson and published by Librairie Borel in Paris.

In Napoléon et les Femmes: L'Amour, the personal life of Napoleon Bonaparte takes center stage. Masson describes his relationships with various women, including Joséphine de Beauharnais, Marie Walewska, and Marie-Louise of Austria. As such, the book offers a unique perspective on Napoleon, beyond his military and political career.

The edition belongs to the Collection Édouard Guillaume, Nymphée, and is richly illustrated with work by the French artist Antoine Calbet (1860-1944). His refined depictions of historical scenes and female figures are interspersed throughout the book. Several illustrations bear his printed signature or initials.

The book is bound in a decorative half-cloth binding with an olive-green spine, gilt details, and marbled covers in blue, gray, and red. The original green ribbon marker is also present.

An attractive copy for enthusiasts of Napoleon, French history, and nineteenth-century illustrated books.

Details

• Title: Napoléon et les Femmes: L'Amour
• Author: Frédéric Masson
• Illustrator: Antoine Calbet
• Publisher: Librairie Borel, Paris
• Year: 1897
• Series: Collection Édouard Guillaume, Nymphée
• Language: French
• Pages: 391
• Dimensions: 20 × 11 × 3 cm
• Binding: half-cloth binding with marbled covers
• Illustrations: numerous printed illustrations by Antoine Calbet, some with printed signature
• Special features: gilt spine details and green ribbon marker
• Condition: good antiquarian condition. Sturdy binding with wear to the spine and slight signs of use. Interior predominantly clean, with normal age-related discoloration.