LE LIVRE DES PARFUMS: Preface d'Alphonse Karr

Paris: E. Dentu, 1870. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. The first edition in French. Detailed history of perfumes, tracing their origins back to ancient civilizations and exploring their evolution over time. It also delves into the science behind perfumes, explaining the various ingredients and techniques used to create different scents. Eugene Rimmel (c.1820-87) joined his father's perfumery business in London's Bond Street in 1834. During his life, such was Eugene's success, that he collected ten Royal Warrants from heads of state all over Europe, including Queen Victoria, for his perfumes and fragranced products. Octavo: xix, [1], 431, [1] p. (truncated) with 12 chromolithographs by Jules Chéret with tissue guards and numerous textual wood engravings after illustrations by de Duhousset, A de Neuville, etc. In an exquisite red cloth publisher's binding, with blind-stamped ruled and ornamental borders, blind-stamped and gilt-stamped geometric frames, floral arabesque decorations, censer and publisher's device. Light foxing to the tissue guards, with a period bookseller's ticket to the verso of the front flyleaf. Just a hint of wear to the corners and tips. Better than very good. Provenance: from the Publishers' Bookbindings collection of Ellen K. Morris and Edward S. Levin. (Inventory #: 77422)