The Art of the French Book from Early Manuscripts to the Present Time

Paul Elek, London, first edition, 1947. Cloth-backed boards, 4to, 32 cm,. 166 pp, 182 ills (some colour). From the blurb: : "The making of fine books has always been one of the hallmarks of a great civilisation, and the exquisite lettering and illustration of the early illuminated manuscripts are known by reputation to everyone. The craftsmanship which goes to the making of a beautiful book has been brought to a high pitch of excellence in France. "The Art of the French Book" traces the history of French book production from 9th century manuscripts to books illustrated by Picasso, Matisse and Braque. Brief chapters on the significance and artistic achievement of each period are followed by numerous illustrations in black-and-white and full colour of the most famous examples of written and printed books throughout the centuries. Books, like other works of art, are naturally products of their age, and the manuscripts of Carolingian or Merovingian times express essential visual elements in their contemporary culture as distinctively as do the books of the Romanesque and Gothic period or the illustrated printed French books of the 19th and 20th centuries. Books in France (including the many exquisite 'limited editions' of modern times) have always been regarded as legitimate means of artistic expression, and as a result a volume on the art of the French book almost attains the character of a history of the main trends in the visual arts. In its own presentation this book continues a great tradition." Contents: Manuscripts, by E. A. van Moe.-The French book in the XVth and XVIth centuries, by R. Brun.-The French book in the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries, by J. Wilhelm.-The French book in the XIXth century (1801-1870) by P. H. Michel.-The French book in the XXth century, by J. Guignard.-Bindings, by R. Brun. Pages 161-164 nearly detached, otherwise Good.