La Gracieuse…

Paris: Imp. Pairault et Cie, 1896.
10 volumes (30 x 45 mm). Paperback, in colored embossed paper covers, titled on spine and first board with ornate framing. The set is housed in a miniature glazed bookcase (100 x 140 mm) with a glass shelf, Louis XV style; floral silk-covered cardboard, base covered in black embossed paper with manufacturer’s mark printed in gold: “La Gracieuse avec ses 10 volumes. Modèle déposé.”

Miniature editions of classic texts for children.

We apologize for the imperfect translation generated by Deepl for the purposes of the show.

Each volume has a cover of a different color, decorated on the top cover with a medallion or a golden frame. The complete collection is composed of the following titles: Aladdin or the Wonderful Lamp, Ali Baba or the Forty Thieves, The Prodigal Son and The Wandering Jew, Fables and Allegories by Fénelon, Some Fables by La Fontaine, Some Fables by Florian, The Fruit Seller’s Nephew by H. Moreau, Le Petit Chaperon Rouge and Les Fées by Perrault, Quelques Contes du Chanoine Schmid and La Morale de l’Enfance by Morel de Vindé.

“During the last years of the 19th century, Pairault published two remarkable series of children’s books in Paris. The first comprises 10 volumes (…) ; the texts are clearly intended for children and are mainly fairy tales and fables. These volumes can be stored in a miniature wooden bookcase specially created by the publishers. Called “La Gracieuse”, it is covered in damask with gold thread and has a glass door and glass shelves, inspired by the Louis XV style”.
A magnificent example of this charming object; rare in this new condition.
Bondy, Miniature books, 79-80.