A French Alphabet Book of 1814: For Alfred Bourdier De Beauregard Created by His Uncle Arnaud at the Chateau De Beaumont De Beauregard

The 2004 first edition is a limited 750 numbered copies, elegantly bound in gilt-stamped blue cloth with dust jacket. "This uniquely detailed series of watercolour drawings was made in 1814 as a primer or alphabet book for the two-year old Alfred, by his uncle Arnaud. It brings alive the education and everyday life of a young French aristocrat after the Revolution, Napoleon and the return of the Bourbon King Louis XVIII. The drawings now preserved for posterity give fascinating views of the family château and its surrounds, its interior with elegant furnishings, the private chapel, kitchens, workshops and stables. The boy's clothing, occupations and pastimes are all minutely depicted. His instruction in polite manners, music, the arts and architecture, and even the facts of nursery life is all illustrated. Plants and animals in colourful watercolours abound. The pages are filled with amusing puns and now obscured meanings, a source of pleasure as well as knowledge, preserving a life of enchantment and privilege which has long since vanished. The French captioned images are translated into English of the period, as a primer for children of today."
ASIN: 0954397029
VSKU: BVV.0954397029.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Charles Plante
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.