Gluck

1840 · ref. 008068 — Strasbourg: Emile Simon Fils 1840. First Edition. Quarter Morocco. Marbled paper pastedown on boards. Very Good. Colorful 1840 three day celebration of the unveiling of a statue to Johann Gutenberg which occurred on June 24 through the 26th 1840. This stunning color plate book is almost entirely devoted to the endless parade organized for the event that proceeded during the second day or the 25th -- based on the dates given in the plate captioning. In this parade each of many professions had its own contingent and dressed and carried a sometimes impressive prop reflecting on the profession. From the vast number of paraders it would seem that virtually everyone in Strasbourg was an active participant. Oblong folio 32 by 53 cm. 48 hand-colored plates with five of the plates with fold-outs and thus extra long. Fold-out plates are counted as two plates in the enumeration which thus goes up to the number 53. In complete form this book is scarce. Outside of France and Germany the only hard copy showing on OCLC First Search is at the Morgan. It isn't clear to us whether the copies in Europe are commensurate but at most there may be half a dozen copies. No copies found in commerce on the date of this listing. Contemporary morocco spine moderately rubbed and scratches on the paper pastedown. Leaves age toned with deeper age toning affecting the fold-out plates. Occasional foxing with perhaps two plates with a considerable amount. A very short closed tear or two. Some shake to the binding as typical in such an extreme oblong book. Emile Simon Fils unknown books