LIMITED EDITION Vintage Fine Leather Mini Book Set

Miniature French Fine-Press Books — 1966 Numbered Edition (Pair), rare limited edition, numbered

5" x 3.5" x 1"

A finely bound pair of vintage buttery leather miniature French volumes from the Le Livre de Chevet – Bibliothèque Amoureuse series, printed on September 1, 1966 exclusively for members of the Cercle du Livre Précieux. Produced as a limited, numbered edition, both volumes are hand-numbered No. 2682, a desirable detail indicating they were originally issued together. Matching gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, moiré-patterned endpapers, and coordinating textured slipcases reflect the elevated production quality typical of this bibliophile press. Fine leather consistent with Morocco-style bindings used by French bibliophile presses of the period.

The pair includes:

Napoléon à Joséphine — selected personal letters from Napoleon Bonaparte to Joséphine de Beauharnais, offering insight into one of France’s most historically documented relationships.

Lettres d’une Maîtresse by Julie de Lespinasse — emotionally charged correspondence from one of the most influential salon figures of the Enlightenment, known for her literary presence and turbulent romantic life.

Why this edition matters:
During the mid-20th century, the Cercle du Livre Précieux specialized in limited, member-only fine-press editions, often centered around French cultural history, correspondence, and romantic literature. Their miniature scale intentionally references the tradition of intimate bedside volumes, and matching numbered copies kept together are increasingly uncommon on the secondary market.

Condition:
Light, age-appropriate wear to bindings and slipcases. Interiors clean and legible. Gilt tooling remains sharp with subtle toning to page edges consistent with age.