BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE (J.-H.). PAUL ET VIRGINIE.... Lot 10

BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE (J.-H.). PAUL ET VIRGINIE. P., Curmer, 1838. Large volume in-8, dark brown chagrin entirely decorated with gilt Rocaille irons, title, printer's name and bookbinder's signature gilt, gilt edges (Simier - Rel. Du Roi). Very scattered brown spots. FIRST ISSUE of this REMARKABLE EDITION. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATED BOOKS of the 19th century. Approx. 450 woodcut vignettes in the text, 29 woodcut plates after Meissonier, T. Johannot, Français, etc., a colored map of Île de France (Mauritius) and 7 steel-engraved portraits. All plates are printed on chine collé and protected by a captioned serpente. Ex-libris "M. A. Colson" affixed to the 1st flyleaf. A fine copy in a decorated binding by René Simier, "relieur du roi" under the Restoration. ¶ Carteret, III-532.