Ecritures Ancienne Volume 1 of the Oeuvres De Jean Midolle

This is a very good hardcover copy in the original binding of brown marbled paper boards with an all-over green design. There is a large printed paper label with the title inset in an elaborately lithographed Gothic style frame. Tan paper covered spine of dark green cloth. The edges of the covers have a little wear. Inside there is an elaborately detailed title-page followed by 32 of 40 numbered plates. No evidence of plates being removed, as binding still very tight, but normally with 40 plates. All plates are black & white lithographs showing an amazing variety of typefaces and alphabets. Many are composed out of very imaginatively worked animals, plants, people or inventions forming the letters. A classic of this genre, here an incomplete copy with various faults, such as browning, tiny foxing, and 2 instances of later careful coloring of initials on different plates. Quite rare in the original binding. Large oblong folio, 11" high X 13 1/2" wide. Call or e-mail for digital photos. This book will be securely wrapped and packed in a sturdy box and shipped with tracking.