A Very Handsome Copy - History of the Crusades
Containing Many of Doré’s Grandest Illustrations
A Wonderful Two Volume Folio in Beautiful Binding
[Doré Illus.] Michaud, [Joseph François]. HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES Illustrated with One Hundred Grand Compositions by Gustave Doré (Philadelphia: George Barrie, Publisher, N.D. [circa 1880]) 2 volumes. First American Edition. 100 fine and grand illustrations by Gustave Doré. Large, thick folio, in a very handsome binding of half blue crushed morocco over very pleasing blue patterned boards, tastefully tooled in gilt on the spines between raised gilt stippled bands. The upper covers with gilt border work and gilt lettering and decorations in an art deco style, fine heavy marbled endleaves, all edges gilt. viii, 364; 362 pp. A very fine, very pleasing and very handsome set, in an unusual state of preservation.
One of Doré's scarcest titles and an extraordinarily handsome one at that. Doré's epic style of illustrating is uniquely suited for a history of the Crusades. The dark and somber bindings are as well suite to the subject as the illustrations. This tome is even scarcer to find in fine condition, usually falling victim to its own mass and grandeur.
Michaud's history, originally published (without the Doré plates) in 1822, was one of the most important works on the Crusades until the 20th century. "Michaud's biographer tells us that to the work he sacrificed 'almost every moment of twenty of the best years of his life.' Much of this time was spent in visiting and examining places in the East. The author wrote in delightful style, and for his work was rewarded with a seat in the Academy." (Adams, Manual of Historical Literature). It covers the earliest rumblings of the crusades in 300 AD to the enduring effects on Europe until 1685. Adams. |
