(Description)

Author: Jean Chapelain.
Title: La Pucelle ou la France Delivree. Poeme Heroique. Seconde Edition, revue & retouchee.
Publisher: Paris, Chez Augustin Courbe, 1656. Second Edition (stated).
Language: Text in French.
Size: 6" X 4".
Pages: Complete [46], 362, [28] pages +13 plates.
Binding: Attractive and near fine binding,  beautifully bound in modern full blue Morocco leather featuring raised bands, gilt titles, and floral decorations on the spine. The covers are adorned with elegant gilt borders and corner fleur-de-lis designs (hinges fine) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, handwritten ex-libris of a previous owner on the title page - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the intricately engraved frontispiece and 12 full-page illustrations (13 illustrations, total) by François Chauveau, capturing key moments from the heroic poem. 

Estimate :  (USD 350 - USD 500)

The book: This is the second edition of Jean Chapelain's La Pucelle ou la France Delivree, an epic poem celebrating the life and heroism of Joan of Arc. The poem, first published in 1656 the same year as the second edition, is a monumental work in French literature, blending historical events with poetic imagination. This edition is meticulously revised and corrected, offering a refined text and enhanced illustrations. The luxurious binding and pristine condition make this a collector's item of significant literary and historical value.

The author: Jean Chapelain (1595-1674) was a prominent French poet and critic, best known for his epic poem La Pucelle. As a member of the Académie Française, Chapelain played a crucial role in shaping French literary standards in the 17th century. His works, particularly La Pucelle, are celebrated for their patriotic fervor and intricate poetic structure.

The illustrator: François Chauveau (1613-1676), a renowned French engraver and illustrator, is celebrated for his detailed and expressive illustrations. His work on La Pucelle is considered among his finest, bringing to life the dramatic and heroic scenes of Chapelain's poem with masterful artistry.