I. Taylor [Baron Isidore Taylor] — Reims: La Ville Des Sacres

Paris, A. F. Lemaitre, 1860. First edition. Leather. A very scarce first edition copy of this history of Reims, best known for its Cathedral of Notre Dame, written in the original French. The very scarce first edition of this work in a quarter morocco binding, with gilt detailing to the spine, blind-stamping to the pebbled cloth boards, and moire silk end papers. All edges gilt. Illustrated with five engraved plates, one of which shows a plan of Reims. Collated, complete. A history of the city of Reims, "La Ville des Sacres" or "the Coronation City" as it is known in France. Reims became a major city during the Roman era, and has played an important role in French history as the traditional site for the coronation of the kings of France. It is a city of outstanding and diverse architecture, including the architecture of Reims Cathedral (or the Cathedral of Notre Dame), the Palace of Tau, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi. The city's interesting history is explored in this work, written in the original French by Baron Isidore Taylor (1789-1879), the French dramatist, artist, and philanthropist. In a quarter morocco binding. Externally fairly smart, with small marks to the front board and light rubbing to the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with a little offsetting to the text, and the odd spot to plates and the first and last few pages. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .