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50 - Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (J.H.
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Estimate €450 - €650
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Description
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (J.H.) *Paul and Virginie*. Paris, L. Curmer, 1838. 1 volume, large 8vo, 19th-century binding in almond-green half-maroquin with corner pieces, plain spine with gilded Romantic decoration, author’s name, title and date gilded, gilded head. (Bound by Champs-Stroobants). A clean copy, free from foxing, with generous margins, untrimmed. A collated and complete copy, enriched with additional engravings. A subscription prospectus inserted at the end of the volume. Includes the full-colour map of the Île de France (Mauritius). A magnificent edition regarded as one of the finest works of the Romantic era. It brings together *Paul et Virginie* and *La Chaumière indienne*, preceded by a study by Sainte-Beuve on Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. The illustrations, by the most famous draughtsmen and engravers of the time, comprise 29 plates on applied China paper, including the frontispiece, and approximately 450 vignettes within the text drawn by Tony Johannot, Français, Meissonier, Paul Huet, Isabey, Marville and Steinheil. This volume was perhaps the finest and most expensive of the Romantic books published in the 19th century. The publisher, Léon Curmer, invested 230,000 francs of the time to produce and design the deluxe edition of *Paul et Virginie* in 1838.
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About the sale Antique and modern books
Auction location
Auction time 10/26/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures modified on 10/09/2026 at 4:14 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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