The Empress Josephine by Baron de Meneval 1912 Antique Hardcover Biography Rare For Sale

📝 Item Description

Title: The Empress Josephine

Author: Baron de Méneval Minister Plenipotentiary

Translator: D. D. Fraser

Publisher: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Limited London

Date: Circa 1912 First English Translation Edition

Up for sale is a scarce 1912 antique hardcover edition of \"The Empress Josephine\" written by the French diplomat Baron de Méneval. This biography provides an insightful, contemporary French perspective on the life of Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Published in London by the historic Sampson Low house, this particular translation is uncommonly seen on the antiquarian market.

Features & Visual Details:

• Cover Art: Beautiful crimson cloth hardcover with a striking gilt-bordered oval cameo portrait of Empress Josephine on the front panel, complete with a gilded crown and script signature accent.

• Provenance: Features a vintage, private red ink ex-libris stamp on the blank flyleaf reading \"Library of James T. McDowell\", adding unique historical character.

• Notations: Faint, vintage pencil price marking in the upper right corner of the flyleaf page.

Condition Report:

• Overall Condition: Good to Very Good antiquarian condition given its age.

• Exterior: The red cloth shows minor age-related handling wear, light surface scuffing, and typical shelf wear to the edges. The spine cloth is sun-faded/browned as is common with red dyes from this era, though the gilt lettering remains readable.

• Interior: The title page is clean with clear, crisp text layout. The bindings and hinges remain structurally sound. Pages show light natural toning but are free of major foxing, moisture damage, or heavy tearing.

Please review all accompanying high-resolution photographs carefully to assess the physical condition details before offerding or purchasing