BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE (J. H.). Paul et Virginie - Lot 242

BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE (J. H.). Paul et Virginie [and the Indian Cottage]. Paris, L. Curmer, 1838. In-4° of LII, 458, [14] pp. engraved frontispiece, engraved portrait of the author, numerous ill. in text and 35 gr. h.-t. on Chine appliqué, under captioned serpents. Eggplant half calf with corners, romantic spine double gilt fillet on covers (R. P. Ginain). A celebrated edition, the most successful of this work and one of the most beautiful illustrated books. Bound by GINAIN, active in Paris between 1821 and 1843, one of the best romantic bookbinders, a pupil of BOZERIAN le jeune; he was also bookbinder to the King and Prince de Joinville, and worked for the aristocracy as well as for numerous bibliophiles. "M. Ginain is one of those consummate artists to whom amateurs can entrust their most precious books with an assurance that will never be deceived. The solidity of his construction, the good taste of his ornaments, the neatness and elegance and elegance of its execution, and the moderation of its prices to luxury bookshops and owners of select collections" (Charles Nodier (Charles Nodier, De la Reliure en France au dix-neuvième siècle, Bulletin du bibliophile, 1834). Large margins, some spotting to engraving mountings; spine slightly slightly oiled. A good copy.