Petit paroissien bijou avec offices et prières suivis de la messe du mariage. Dijon [France]: Pellion & Marchet Frères, Editeurs. A. Gerin (imprimerie Darantiere), [ca. 1900.]
(80 x 55 mm) pp. 128. Frontispiece of Virgin Mary, tissue gaurd, title page with chromolithograph gold and silver decoration followed by second title page in red and black. Text in French and Latin. Red lettering throughout indicating incipits. Each page with red border with small floral decorations. Silk-like bookmark. Bound in black leather with P B (Paroissien bijou) in heraldic-style gilt decoration on cover. Title in gilt on spine with 4 spine panels. Pastedowns and fly leaves feature dramatic black-and-gilt IHS (Jesu) motif, and gilt gauffered turndowns. Gilt fore edges on all sides. Scarce to US market. Some foxing expected with age and type of paper, minor possible water damage effecting only bottom edge of front fly leaf. Overall VERY GOOD condition.
A miniature copy of the incredibly aptly titled "Small Elegant Prayer Book with Offices and Prayers following the Wedding Mass." Printed in Dijon, France, this tiny book is an extension of the medieval book of hours-- intended to guide private worship, using strategies for the reader established in the Middle Ages, such as the rubricated initial standing in contrast to the black text as an eye-catching guide, and a heirarchy of script, which employs different 'fonts' to make the headings, subheadings, and text visually distinct and easily findable.