Paul et Virginie suivi de la chaumière indienne

First edition by Curmer and first printing.
Publisher's so-called "Oriental" binding, commissioned from Simier. Full red shagreen. Smooth spine decorated with a plate featuring orientalist motifs. Boards richly stamped with a large plate with a 6-pointed star at its center. Edges gilt. One missing stitch at the internal joint after the first board, without consequence. One missing stitch at the internal joint of the upper board causing slight play at the bottom of the first board, without consequence. Scattered foxing, unevenly distributed. Paper remained white. Tissue guards present. The endpaper covered with white moiré paper is detached at the end of the volume.
Old restoration to head, otherwise perfect condition of this famous and rare publisher's binding.

Unquestionably one of the finest books produced by Romanticism, this is one of those editions that made the glory of the romantic book. Abundantly but elegantly illustrated, endowed with careful typography. 29 wood engravings on China paper by Tony Johannot and 450 vignettes by Huet, Meissonier, Français. 7 portraits engraved on steel, one colored map. Sainte-Beuve's notice comprises 9 lines against 8 in most copies on p. LII. See Vicaire... Copy from rue Richelieu. The engraving of the "bonne femme" p. 418 is missing as in all copies of the first printing. However, while the copy corresponds to several characteristics of the first printing, it does not possess them all.
Rare copy in its "Oriental" publisher's binding by Simier.