L’Intelligence des Animaux - Ernest Menault - First Edition 1868 - 58 Engravings

L’Intelligence des Animaux by Ernest Menault, published in Paris by Librairie de L. Hachette et Cie in 1868 as part of the renowned Bibliothèque des Merveilles series.

This first edition examines animal intelligence and behavior from the perspective of nineteenth-century natural science. Menault covers a remarkably wide range of animals, from ants, spiders, and bees to fish, birds, bears, elephants, dogs, and primates. It also addresses instinct, memory, social behavior, problem-solving, and the relationship between humans and animals.

The book is illustrated with 58 engravings by Émile Bayard, A. Mesnel, and others. The numerous illustrations are incorporated into the text and include both smaller figures and beautiful full-page scenes depicting various animals and their behavior.

This copy is bound in a particularly fine half-leather binding with leather corners and marbled boards. The spine features raised bands, a gilt title, and richly decorated gilt-bordered compartments. The interior is also neatly finished with marbled endpapers.

An attractive copy from the original publication year of 1868, combining nineteenth-century natural history, illustration, and traditional bookbinding.

Details:

• Author: Ernest Menault
• Title: L’Intelligence des Animaux
• Series: Bibliothèque des Merveilles
• Publisher: Librairie de L. Hachette et Cie
• Place of publication: Paris
• Year: 1868
• Edition: first edition
• Extent: XVI + 347 pages
• Illustrations: 58 engravings
• Illustrators: Émile Bayard, A. Mesnel, et al.
• Language: French
• Subject: animal behavior, animal intelligence, zoology, and natural history
• Binding: half-leather with leather corners and marbled boards
• Spine: gilt and decoratively finished with raised bands
• Endpapers: marbled
• Dimensions: approx. 18 × 12 cm
• Thickness: approx. 3 cm
• Period: nineteenth century
• Classification: antique

Condition:
Good antiquarian condition. The binding is firm and has been attractively preserved, with normal signs of wear and age to the leather, corners, and edges. The gilt decoration and title on the spine remain clear and attractive. The text block is firm, and the interior is generally in good condition, with scattered light foxing and age-related discoloration. There are some old notes at the beginning. The title page and other parts of the book bear old ownership stamps of Les Filles de la Croix te Rêve-Thimister. The 58 engravings form an important decorative and illustrative part of this edition.