Paris: Marcilly, ca. 1820-30. Quite a rare miniature children’s book made additionally unusual for its hand-painted, glass-covered binding à décor fixé sous verre from early 19th century France. Bondy 77. Printed by A. Pincal of Paris this title appears identical to the only copy we have traced so far, Ruth Adomeit’s copy in a paper over boards binding) in the Lilly Library (4627397). Seven engraved plates accompany the text which recounts the story of a mother giving a doll to her two daughters. As to be expected, the young girls receive instruction from their mother in the ways of building character in their doll. The lessons for the development of the daughters’ own characters are obvious. A binding à décor fixé sous verre is accomplished by painting the image on the reverse of the glass, often using oil or gouache colours and glue, inverting the design so that it appears correctly for the viewer looking at the non-painted side. The technique is an old one, apparently invented in Murano from where it spread throughout Europe. Parisian ateliers used it for a variety of objects in the 18th and 19th centuries; there is some evidence of the practice in provincial centres such as Marseilles. (see Larousse, DICTIONAIRE DE LA PEINTURE) This is a beautifully preserved example with both upper and lower covers treated. Rare. Ref.: 17125 In a Hand-Coloured Binding Printed text is 5 x 7 cm; half title + engraved title + 3-126 pp. + 7 engraved plates. The binding itself measures 5x5 x 7 cm.