La Française du siècle

First edition. Printed on laid paper. Illustrated covers on Japan paper. Watercolor illustrations by Albert Lynch, engraved in colored etching by Eugène Gaujean. 20 colored engravings (including 10 full-page), 10 illustrated colored initials, numerous tailpieces and vignettes in black.
Contemporary full mosaic shagreen binding in blue and brown. Spine with raised bands decorated with 4 fleurons in ornate compartments. Head and tail rolls. Bordeaux morocco title label, ornate brown shagreen date label. Covers with mosaic work featuring a large rectangular frame very richly decorated in the manner of lace-work bindings, corner and angular tools, multiple framing fillets. Broad inner lace-work. Double endpapers. Edges gilt. Covers preserved.
Very handsome copy, perfectly fresh, with wide margins.
Famous history of feminine fashion under Octave Uzanne, particularly Parisian, in the 19th century. Nymphs and Marvellous Women, Romantic Elegantes, etc... Beautiful publication.