Le Roman d’un Gamin

Rare First Edition (presumed; undated, as was customary for many French juvenile series of the era, but bibliographic records from the Bibliothèque nationale de France and contemporary catalogs confirm 1901 as the initial publication year). In-4 / quarto format (substantial volume weighing approximately 1.4 kg, reflecting the thick, high-quality rag-content paper stock used for durability in school and prize editions). vi + 220 pp. Part of Gedalge’s “Série” for young readers, aimed at adolescents with uplifting moral tales. “ Illustrated profusely with evocative black-and-white engravings by Charles Clérice. Includes multiple full-page plates and in-text vignettes, depicting key moments such as the protagonist’s street escapades, family interactions, and moral awakenings. The illustrations enhance the narrative’s vivid portrayal of Parisian street life, rural idylls, and the boy’s transformative journey. Bound in the original publisher’s red percaline cloth over boards, a hallmark of French prize bindings from the Third Republic era (1870-1940), designed for presentation to exemplary students. The front cover features ornate embossed floral and foliate motifs in blind and gilt (faded but discernible), spine with gilt lettering and decorative bands, showing age-related darkening and rubbing. Thick paper exhibits moderate yellowing/age-toning consistent with over a century of existence, with occasional light foxing spots (primarily on preliminaries and outer margins) but no significant stains, tears, or markings beyond expected antiquarian wear. Interior remains clean, crisp, and unmarked except for the notable pasted-in prize label on the front endpaper, partially detached. Standout provenance: Original ornate prize label from the “Pensionnat de Malesherbes” (a prestigious Parisian girls’ boarding school established in the 19th century, known for its rigorous curriculum emphasizing academic excellence, moral education, and practical skills; located in the affluent 17th arrondissement, it catered to bourgeois families and embodied Third Republic ideals of secular, merit-based instruction). The label awards the book to student “Jeanne Pinoteau” on July 31, 1909, for second prizes in French composition, grammar, arithmetic, writing, reading/recitation, and manual work—subjects reflecting the era’s focus on holistic female education. Signed by the director, M. Pasquier. This inscription provides rich historical context, linking the volume to early 20th-century French pedagogy and the societal push for girls’ intellectual advancement post-Dreyfus Affair reforms. Such prize books were common incentives in French schools, fostering literacy and values like perseverance and humility. Condition: Fair antiquarian overall, suitable for collectors or display. Exterior exhibits rubbing and fading to the red cloth (especially on spine and edges, with sunning to a softer pink hue); spine ends frayed with minor cloth loss at head and tail; corners bumped and worn through in places. Back board partially detached at the lower hinge. Front hinge remains sound and firm. Binding otherwise intact with no loose pages. Despite these flaws, the book retains structural integrity and aesthetic charm, evoking the tactile appeal of Belle Époque juvenilia. Fournier’s works, often serialized in journals like Journal des Voyages, promoted Third Republic values—secular ethics, social mobility, and anti-urban decadence—making them staples in school libraries. This edition’s premium binding and thick paper suggest it was marketed as a “prix d’excellence” volume, aligning with Gedalge’s niche in prize books during France’s educational expansion under Jules Ferry’s reforms. Ideal for collectors of French juvenile literature, Belle Époque bindings, Third Republic ephemera, or educational history. Scarce in this prize-inscribed state. Offers insight into pre-WWI French culture, where books like this bridged literacy gaps and instilled republican ideals.…