[Beautiful Gruel binding] L'Imitation de Jesus-Christ

Traduction et réflections par l'Abbé Lamennais suivie de l'Ordinaire de la Messe. Paris, Gruel and Engelmann (printed by Edmond Monnoyer, Mans), 1883, XVI, 655, (1) p., with 4 plates after Martin Schongauer, each text page in decorative border by Eugène Mouchon, in early 16th century style bound blind-stamped purple morocco, titled and signed "Gruel" on ribbed back, boards with gilt edges on inside and with silk endpapers with gilt lettered monogram "MDC" and date "12 Mai 1887", all edges gilt, small 8vo, in original cloth/silk chemise and cloth slipcase.

Chemise discoloured on spine, slipcase with small tears. Else like new. We could not identify the monogram of the original owner, but we found it online on another Gruel binding (with crown). Brilliant and extremely luxurious publication and book binding.