Memoirs of the Comtesse de Boigne - Charles Nicoullaud - Volume 1 - Paris 1907

A beautifully bound French book from 1907 containing the memoirs of Adèle d'Osmond, comtesse de Boigne (1781-1866). A personal account of a turbulent period in French history, from aristocratic life before the French Revolution to the final years of Napoleon's reign.

Throughout her life, the comtesse de Boigne moved in influential European circles. Her memories offer a unique insight into the French aristocracy, political upheavals, and the social structures of her time.

This copy is the first volume of Récits d'une tante. Mémoires de la Comtesse de Boigne, published in Paris by Plon-Nourrit et Cie in 1907. It covers the period 1781-1814 and is based on the original manuscripts, edited by Charles Nicoullaud.

The book is bound in an elegant half-leather binding with a dark green spine, gilt lettering, and decorative lines. The boards are covered in black and green marbled paper. Inside are beautiful, finely marbled endpapers in black, white, and light blue.

Of note is the portrait of the comtesse de Boigne, executed in heliogravure after a miniature by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey. The print was crafted by Chauvet and printed by Eudes.

An attractive copy for enthusiasts of French history, the Napoleonic era, and traditional bookbinding.

Specifications

• Title: Récits d'une tante. Mémoires de la Comtesse de Boigne
• Author: Adèle d'Osmond, comtesse de Boigne
• Editor: Charles Nicoullaud
• Volume: I, 1781-1814
• Edition: eleventh edition
• Year: 1907
• Publisher: Librairie Plon, Plon-Nourrit et Cie
• Place: Paris, France
• Language: French
• Extent: XXXV + 505 pages
• Illustration: heliogravure portrait after J. Isabey
• Heliogravure: Chauvet
• Illustration printer: Eudes
• Binding: half-leather with marbled boards
• Spine: dark green leather with gilt decoration
• Endpapers: marbled paper
• Dimensions: 22 × 14.5 × 3 cm

Condition

Good antique condition.

The half-leather binding is sturdy and well-kept, with light wear to the edges and corners. The originally dark green spine has partially discolored to brown. The gilt spine lettering and decoration are well-preserved.

The book block is in good condition. The pages show normal age-related discoloration and light foxing in places. The marbled endpapers are neatly preserved.

There is an old handwritten ownership inscription on the front endpaper. The heliogravure portrait is present.