Racinet

1888 · 994H10 — Paris: Firmin-Didot et Cie 1888 . Leather. Good. 9" by 8.5". None Stated. A partial set of Racinet"s monumental Le Costume Historique richly illustrated chromolithographic plates offering an unrivalled visual survey of historical dress and material culture bound in half-morocco by H. Wood. In a handsome half morocco binding with marbled paper boards bound by H. Wood.Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888 it was consolidated in 1888 in six volumes with five hundred stunning plates: three hundred in colour gold and silver and two hundred in camaïeu. This is a partial set of four volumes compromising tomes I II V and VI.A monumental illustrated survey of historical costume and material culture documenting dress armour ornament interiors arms and transport across civilizations and periods. A unique work in its scope and detail important in the history of French typography especially in the use of chromolithographic technique which granted these plates some bright impressive colouring.With notes a general introduction glossary and index.With twelve plates to volume I eighty eight to volume II ninety four to volume V and ninety seven to volume VI. Collated complete. Compiled under the direction of Auguste Racinet 1825-1893 a French illustrator and historian. In a half morocco binding with marbled paper boards by H. Wood. Externally smart with the exception of volume VI where the front board is sadly fully disbound and in need of sympathetic repair. Slight rubbing and bumping to extremities resulting in slight loss to morocco and paper. Spines slightly faded. Slight rubbing to boards. Slight loss to morocco at head of spine of volume V. Slight cracking to joints of volume V holding firm. Slight racking to front joint of lower extremities of volume II. The odd minor handling mark to boards. Internally firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with the odd spot to first and last few leaves. One or two light handling marks to fore edges. Good Firmin-Didot et Cie hardcover