Memoirs of Madame d'Abrantès (1835) | Two Antique French Books about Napoleon | Volume 10 & 12

Two antique French books from 1835 containing the historical memoirs of Laure Junot, Duchess of Abrantès. The books form a matching pair and are bound in characteristic nineteenth-century half-leather bindings with marbled boards and gold-colored spine decorations.

The Duchess of Abrantès was the wife of General Jean-Andoche Junot, a confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte. From her position within the French elite, she experienced a significant part of the Napoleonic era at close quarters.

In her extensive memoirs, she describes life around Napoleon, the French Revolution, the Empire, and the subsequent Restoration. Her memories offer a personal perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in European history.

These two books are volume 10 and volume 12 of her memoirs. They cover, among other things, the final years of the Napoleonic Empire, the events of 1814, and the political upheavals that followed.

What makes this pair special are the matching historical bindings. Both spines bear the gilded initials D.G. at the bottom, presumably the monogram of a former owner. Additionally, there is an elegant handwritten ownership inscription on the title page of volume 10.

The brown leather spines, gilt lines, and reddish-brown marbled covers give the books an authentic nineteenth-century appearance.

An attractive pair of books for enthusiasts of French history, Napoleon, historical literature, and the art of fine bookbinding.

Specifications

• Title: Mémoires de Madame la Duchesse d'Abrantès
• Author: Laure Junot, Duchess of Abrantès (1784–1838)
• Year of publication: 1835
• Publisher: L. Mame
• Place of publication: Paris, France
• Language: French
• Number of books: 2
• Volumes: 10 and 12
• Edition: Volume 12 states the second edition
• Subject: Napoleon Bonaparte, French history, French Revolution and Restoration
• Binding: Half-leather with marbled paper boards
• Spine decoration: Gold-colored titles, lines, and volume numbers
• Details: Gilt monogram D.G. on both spines and handwritten inscription in volume 10
• Condition: Fair to good, with visible signs of age and use

Condition

The books are in an authentic, used condition. The leather spines and corners show wear, discoloration, and localized damage. The marbled covers also show signs of use.

The paper is age-toned and exhibits scattered spots. The text remains well-legible.

These are two separate volumes from an originally larger set. The remaining volumes are not included.

Please examine the photos carefully for a complete view of the condition.