LENÔTRE (G.). — Prussians of Yesterday and Forever. Second S - Lot 164

LENÔTRE (G.). — Prussians of Yesterday and Forever. Second Series. Paris, Librairie académique Perrin et Cie, 1917. In-12, olive-colored half-maroquin with corner pieces, marbled paper covers, ribbed spine richly decorated with gold and black fillets, scrolls, and fleurons, author’s name and title gilded, gilt head, other edges untrimmed. Contemporary binding. First edition of the second series of this work by G. Lenôtre, the pseudonym of historian Théodore Gosselin (1855–1935). The BnF lists this series published by Perrin beginning in 1917. This volume is part of the “La Petite Histoire” collection, which brings together six studies devoted primarily to Germany and French perceptions of Prussia during World War I: “The ‘Boche’ Obsession”; “Us and Them”; “Wizards, Prophets, and Visionaries”; “A Few Figures”; “Kultur” in Belgium; Retrospective. The book comprises 340 pages. Published in the midst of the war, this collection offers an interesting insight into French historical and patriotic literature from 1914–1918. Lenôtre weaves together historical anecdotes, narratives, and contemporary reflections, particularly in chapters such as “Fiction and Reality” and “The First Ancestors of the 75,” which are visible in this copy. A fine copy in an elegant, decorative binding of the period, particularly pleasing with its olive morocco leather, black fleurons, and matching marbled paper. Some scuffing and slight signs of wear on the spine and fore-edges; the paper is slightly yellowed, but the interior is well preserved. This copy remains partially untrimmed.