(Description)

Author: Unknown.
Title: Heures Nouvelles dédiées à Madame la Princesse.
Language: Text in French and Latin.
Publisher: Paris, Claude Hérissant Fils, 1753. 
Size: 5" X 3.5".
Pages: 570 pages + Index.
Binding: Attractive and very good contemporary full dark-red morocco leather binding, elaborately gilt-decorated on covers and spine. The front and back cover feature a central gilt-stamped floral design, surrounded by intricate floral and foliate border decorations in gilt. The spine is richly decorated in gilt with raised bands and floral motifs, with the title "Heures de Cour" in gilt on a leather label (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a removable protective mylar cover. All edges are gilt. An exquisite binding!
Content: Good to very good content (bright and tight, some light foxing and staining - as shown, free marbled endpaper pages removed - as shown).
Illustrations: The text is decorated with elaborate woodcut initials and headpieces at the beginning of significant sections. 

Estimate: (Scarce with no other copies available for sale worldwide).

The book: This Heures Nouvelles, published in 1753, exemplifies the dedication to detail in 18th-century French devotional books, particularly those intended for noble patrons or clergy. It is a comprehensive prayer book for both private and communal worship, adorned with intricate engravings that reflect the devotional art of the period. This edition was specifically dedicated to "Madame la Princesse," emphasizing its likely use among the aristocracy or high-ranking individuals within the church. Such books were often personalized or created as luxury devotional items, making this a fine example of religious and artistic dedication from this era.