Voyage en France by Amable Tastu – 1852 Illustrated Edition with Gilt Armorial Binding
A beautifully preserved mid-19th century French travel book, Voyage en France by Madame Amable Tastu, published in 1852 by Mame et Cie in Tours. This elegant volume explores the geography, culture, and regional charm of France through poetic and descriptive prose, intended for young readers and families as an educational and patriotic guide.
The book is housed in an ornate blue cloth binding, richly stamped in gilt with a large armorial emblem featuring a ship and castle motif on the front board and a wonderfully decorative floral gilt spine. Blind-stamped borders further embellish the boards, and the interior includes wood-engraved illustrations that enhance the storytelling with scenes of daily life and regional landmarks.
Author: Mme. Amable Tastu
Title: Voyage en France
Publisher: Mame et Cie, Tours, 1852
Binding: Gilt-stamped blue cloth, armorial centerpiece, decorative spine
Illustrations: Numerous black-and-white wood engravings
Language: French
Condition: Very good antique condition. Binding is firm and gilt remains vibrant. Light foxing and toning to some pages, typical of 19th-century paper.
A charming and historically rich book that blends literary elegance with visual appeal—ideal for collectors of French illustrated books, travel literature, or decorative armorial bindings.
_____
Voyage en France” (1852) by Amable Tastu is a richly illustrated travelogue that offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century France. Structured as a series of 20 journeys, the book presents vivid descriptions of various French regions, including Corsica, through the lens of a father narrating to his children. This format not only serves as an educational tool but also captures the customs and landscapes of the time, making it a valuable resource for understanding the era’s cultural and geographical diversity .
Amable Tastu, born Sabine Casimire Amable Voïart in 1795, was a prominent French poet and writer. Her literary career was marked by a delicate poetic style that garnered praise from critics like Sainte-Beuve. After her husband’s printing business failed, Tastu supported her family through her writings, producing educational works and literary criticisms. Her experiences accompanying her son on diplomatic missions further enriched her perspectives, which are reflected in her writings .
The 1852 edition of “Voyage en France” was published by Mame et Cie, a renowned publishing house in Tours, France. Under the leadership of Alfred Mame, the company became a pioneer in industrialized book production, integrating all stages of bookmaking from printing to binding. This approach allowed Mame et Cie to produce high-quality books efficiently, contributing significantly to the dissemination of literature in 19th-century France .
Notably, some copies of this edition feature bindings signed by “Haarhaus,” indicating the involvement of a distinguished binder known for elaborate and colorful designs. These bindings often include intricate decorations in gold, green, red, and blue, enhancing the book’s aesthetic appeal and making it a collector’s item .
Overall, “Voyage en France” stands as a testament to Amable Tastu’s literary contributions and offers readers an immersive journey through the France of her time, enriched by the craftsmanship of its publication.
Voyage en France by Amable Tastu – 1852 Illustrated Edition with Gilt Armorial Binding
A beautifully preserved mid-19th century French travel book, Voyage en France by Madame Amable Tastu, published in 1852 by Mame et Cie in Tours. This elegant volume explores the geography, culture, and regional charm of France through poetic and descriptive prose, intended for young readers and families as an educational and patriotic guide.
The book is housed in an ornate blue cloth binding, richly stamped in gilt with a large armorial emblem featuring a ship and castle motif on the front board and a wonderfully decorative floral gilt spine. Blind-stamped borders further embellish the boards, and the interior includes wood-engraved illustrations that enhance the storytelling with scenes of daily life and regional landmarks.
Author: Mme. Amable Tastu
Title: Voyage en France
Publisher: Mame et Cie, Tours, 1852
Binding: Gilt-stamped blue cloth, armorial centerpiece, decorative spine
Illustrations: Numerous black-and-white wood engravings
Language: French
Condition: Very good antique condition. Binding is firm and gilt remains vibrant. Light foxing and toning to some pages, typical of 19th-century paper.
A charming and historically rich book that blends literary elegance with visual appeal—ideal for collectors of French illustrated books, travel literature, or decorative armorial bindings.
_____
Voyage en France” (1852) by Amable Tastu is a richly illustrated travelogue that offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century France. Structured as a series of 20 journeys, the book presents vivid descriptions of various French regions, including Corsica, through the lens of a father narrating to his children. This format not only serves as an educational tool but also captures the customs and landscapes of the time, making it a valuable resource for understanding the era’s cultural and geographical diversity .
Amable Tastu, born Sabine Casimire Amable Voïart in 1795, was a prominent French poet and writer. Her literary career was marked by a delicate poetic style that garnered praise from critics like Sainte-Beuve. After her husband’s printing business failed, Tastu supported her family through her writings, producing educational works and literary criticisms. Her experiences accompanying her son on diplomatic missions further enriched her perspectives, which are reflected in her writings .
The 1852 edition of “Voyage en France” was published by Mame et Cie, a renowned publishing house in Tours, France. Under the leadership of Alfred Mame, the company became a pioneer in industrialized book production, integrating all stages of bookmaking from printing to binding. This approach allowed Mame et Cie to produce high-quality books efficiently, contributing significantly to the dissemination of literature in 19th-century France .
Notably, some copies of this edition feature bindings signed by “Haarhaus,” indicating the involvement of a distinguished binder known for elaborate and colorful designs. These bindings often include intricate decorations in gold, green, red, and blue, enhancing the book’s aesthetic appeal and making it a collector’s item .
Overall, “Voyage en France” stands as a testament to Amable Tastu’s literary contributions and offers readers an immersive journey through the France of her time, enriched by the craftsmanship of its publication.