1888 Leather-Bound Devotional (Imitation de la Très Sainte Vierge)

A highly collectible 1888 French devotional printed by Mame et Fils in Tours. This example is the superior leather-bound edition, distinguished by its gilt floral tooling, gilt patterned endpapers, and gilt edges—features reserved for higher-end gift copies rather than standard parish printings. Miniature format with red-ruled pages. Light foxing and mild page waviness appropriate for age; binding remains tight and leather well preserved.

Measures 4"x2.75"

Styling
Beautiful on a writing desk or bedside table, or layered with other antique books. Its miniature scale makes it ideal for stacked styling, curio displays, and religious vignettes.

Historical Notes
Alfred Mame et Fils was one of 19th-century France’s most important religious publishers, known for refined bindings and durable daily-use books. Miniature leather-bound devotionals from this period were cherished gifts and often heavily worn—making a well-preserved example with original gilt decoration and gilt edges especially sought after by collectors today.

Condition Notes
Light, even foxing throughout, consistent with age. Pages show mild waviness from time and handling but remain fully intact and legible. Bound in genuine leather with gilt floral tooling and exceptionally pretty patterned endpapers. Tight binding for its age; a very well-kept 1888 devotional.