HINZELIN (Émile). When Our Great Captains Were Young. - Lot 185

HINZELIN (Émile). When Our Great Captains Were Young. Black-and-white and color illustrations by Job. Paris, Librairie Delagrave, 1930. Large quarto, illustrated cardboard binding by the publisher. A charming popular history book for young readers, recounting the childhoods and formative years of France’s great military leaders through a series of edifying and colorful anecdotes. Émile Hinzelin discusses, among others, Du Guesclin, Bayard, Turenne, Condé, and other great captains of French history, in a patriotic spirit characteristic of the interwar period. The illustrations, which are particularly captivating, were created by Job (Jacques Onfroy de Bréville), one of France’s most famous historical illustrators. They include 36 black-and-white in-text illustrations as well as 9 color illustrations, including the remarkable cover and 8 full-page illustrations. The color plates, with their vivid narrative quality, demonstrate Job’s talent for accurately depicting costumes, military scenes, and episodes from French history. Condition Illustrated hardcover with slight rubbing and some missing material and wear on the cover. Interior is fresh; the color inserts are well preserved.