La Veille De Noël (Christmas Eve)

A French copy of La Veille De Noël, or 'Christmas Eve', translated from the German writings of Bavarian priest and educational reformer Christoph von Schmid (written as Christophe Schmid upon title page) by Louis Friedel. Part of the Christian Youth Library series approved by Monseigneur l'Archeveque of Tours, France. Clothbound, with a pictorial front board featuring ornate floral designs in muted blue, green, and gold. This beautiful raised design continues on to the spine. Inside lies a delicate frontispiece illustration with tissue guard intact, with translated caption reading 'So, my children, let us unite our voices to the choir of angels'. Text in French only. In terms of condition - front board is detached from textblock, with damage to the extremities of the spine and some pages rather loose. The boards themselves (including the image depicted upon the front board) have retained their colouring well, with the aqua of the floral design standing distinct from a green and gold background. Marking and discolouration to pastedown and endpapers commensurate with age, though this copy is free of foxing and tearing. No markings or notations, save for a handwritten inscription to the front free endpaper dated 1864. Despite a delicate structural nature, text is surprisingly bright and clear throughout. An unusual and ornate little book that, carefully handled, would sit perfectly amongst an eclectic collection.