About this Item
(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Leather Books, Historical Fashions, Ancient World, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, Africa). Le Costume Historique Tome II. Published c. 1886-88, Paris by Firmin Didot et Cie. for Racinet.88 color plates, offered as a fine collection of superb and decorative 19th century color plates (book itself is approaching disbound, covers detached, no spine leather, lacks 12 plates). Text in French. This single volume focuses pictorially on Ancient Egypt, Assyria, ancient Greece, ancient Romans, Celts & Scandinavians, Oceania, Africa, Americas & Indians, Mexico, China, Asia, and Japan, with the plates showing assorted aspects of unique and distinctive cultural history, hand made objects, weapons, tools, jewelry and details of regional dress. Almost impossible to collate given the complexity of the text and binding style (all plates set in on stubs), we counted 88 plates twice in a row, so apparently lacking 12 (unknown which, way too time consuming and laborious to try to figure out, plus irrelevant since offered as a collection of plates). Book is defective, sold as a lot of color plates. The majority are splendid "high-key" chromolithographic plates, including numerous desirable double page plates; maybe 20-30% are tinted lithographic plates which are also very nice. Many of what strike us as the best and most attractive plates seem to be still present, offered as acquired. Sold as found & described, a pleasing assortment of detailed color lithographed plates which represent close to the pinnacle of color printing of this late 19th century era. A monumental work, this being one of the more desirable volumes from the set. Each plate has text leaves describing everything seen on each one. Attractive antiquarian 1/2 leather binding, marbled covers. Covers detached, sold as a text block of 88 color plates. The simple math indicates a very reasonable/ low price per color plate, a fraction of what they could and do sell for individually. Perfect "breaker" example for a gallery owner or print dealer. Please review photos for more detailed attempt to present this still great color plate book as it survives. We often over-describe any flaws that many sellers would not even bother to mention since most people would overlook them as minor and unworthy of comment. Many people tell us the books they receive from us are nicer in person than they appears on the screen. We want you to be clear about what you are buying, so we take numerous photos and try to describe it openly and honestly. Book Measures c. 9 1/4" H x 8 3/4" W.[B8935].
Seller Inventory # B8935
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