LANSON (Gustave), An Illustrated History of French Literatur - Lot 204

LANSON (Gustave), An Illustrated History of French Literature Paris, Hachette, 1923. 2 large in-4 volumes, publisher’s green percaline cloth bindings adorned with rich cold-stamped and gilded decorations on the covers and spines. A major historical and critical synthesis of French literature edited by Gustave Lanson, then director of the École Normale Supérieure. This monumental work, now a classic of literary history, covers the entire body of French literature, from its medieval origins to the contemporary era. The illustrations, which are particularly abundant, constitute one of the main attractions of this edition. The set is enriched with over 800 engravings, manuscript reproductions, portraits of writers, illuminations, miniatures, sculptures, paintings, historical documents, and facsimiles, offering an exceptional iconographic panorama of French culture. A complete set in two volumes, preserved in their original decorative cardboard bindings. The bindings are in good condition despite noticeable wear. The spines are heavily creased with significant rubbing at the hinges, the cap bands are worn down, and there is a missing section at the top of the spine of the second volume. The pages are fresh, complete, and well-preserved.