Chivalry – Léon Gautier (1884)

Contemporary illustrated edition – Large quarto, bound, polychrome decoration “Credo”

Here is one of the finest works devoted to the chivalric ideal in the 19th century:
The Chivalry , by the famous medievalist Léon Gautier , published in 1884 , in its splendid red and black publisher's binding, adorned with a great knight in armor carrying the banner "Credo" .

An emblematic volume of the romantic rediscovery of the Middle Ages, magnificently illustrated with numerous engravings outside the text by, among others, Luc-Olivier Merson , E. Manet and various artists specializing in medieval and religious imagery.

A major work of French medieval studies

In this now classic book, Léon Gautier explores the birth, spirit, and moral liturgy of Christian chivalry:
– its dubbing rites,
– his virtues (faith, loyalty, courage, mercy),
– its arms and emblems,
– its place in the chansons de geste and Christian tradition.

The work is also remarkable for its almost liturgical approach to the chivalric ideal: the knight appears as a defender of the weak, but also as a servant of Christ.
Each engraving reinforces this sacred and epic vision of the Middle Ages.

A spectacular binding

This edition is distinguished by its thick, polychrome cardboard cover , typical of large illustrated publications from the late 19th century:

• First dish decorated with the knight with the "CREDO" by Emmanuel Fremiet, in silver relief.

• Black Gothic frame with interlacing patterns

• Golden slices

• The spine has been fully restored , in new red cloth with a black title label and gold lettering.

The interior illustrations are particularly rich: battle scenes, knighting celestial visions, processions, military and religious rites… They make this volume a true object-book , as decorative as it is scholarly.

Features

Title: Chivalry
Author: Léon Gautier
Publisher: Firmin-Didot (Paris)
Date: 1884
Format: Large in-4 (≈ 28–30 cm)
Binding: Red and black publisher's boards, spine restored
Illustrations: Multiple engravings on fine, heavy paper, printed on separate plates.
State :
– Binding consolidated (spine properly restored)
– Dishes in good general condition
– Very clean interior, only minor foxing at the edges.
– A solid and decorative set

A splendid book for bibliophiles and lovers of the Middle Ages

With its spectacular iconography, highly decorative binding and spiritual depth of text, La Chevalerie is a very good piece for any soldier of Christ's library.

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