1877 – Sciences & Lettres of Middle Ages – Paul Lacroix | Chromolithographs, Gilt Binding

Sciences & Lettres au Moyen Âge by Paul Lacroix is a standout 1877 book, known for its strong visual content and broad look at medieval life. Bound in its original red cloth boards with decorative gilt and packed with full-page chromolithographs, the book covers early science, beliefs, literature, and customs across the Middle Ages with important descriptions of Columbus, Marco Polo, Albert Magnus, and early occult magic!

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sciences et Lettres au Moyen Âge et à l’Époque de la Renaissance
• Author(s): Paul Lacroix
• Illustrator(s): Daumont; Pralon; Werner
• Publisher: Paris, Librairie de Firmin-Didot et Cie
• Edition: First edition. 1877.
• Format: Quarto, single volume
• Binding: Leather spine, with original red cloth and gilt boards, gilt edges and endpapers
• Size: 11.5in X 8.5in (29cm x 21.5cm)
• Collation: [4], IV, 612 pp
• Illustrations: 13 full-page chromolithographs + countless in-text illustrations
• Contents Include:
  • Sciences Médicales – Hippocratic and Galenic medicine, early surgery, monastic healing
  • Chimie et Alchimie – Alchemical theory through to metallurgy and early chemistry, Albert Magnus
  • Sciences Occultes – Astrology, necromancy, magic, werewolves and spirits
  • Sciences Géographiques – Medieval maps and travel accounts of Marco Polo and Columbus
  • Science Héraldique – Coat of arms, symbols, and heraldic designs
  • Proverbes & Langues – Popular sayings and development of Latin and French dialects
  • Romans & Poésie Nationale – Stories of Tristan, Lancelot, and the chanson de geste tradition
  • Croyances Populaires – Festivals, saints, witchcraft, and village superstitions

Condition:

Original leather and red publisher’s cloth shows ornate gilt tooling to both spine and boards, with minor wear consistent with age. Gilt edges are bright and intact, protecting the text block. Decorative gilt endpapers. Beautiful illustrations throughout, clean display.

Why Collect This?

• First printing of the illustrated edition
• Covers science, legend, language, and social customs
• Descriptions of notable medieval minds including Albert Magnus, Paracelsus, Marco Polo, Columbus, etc.

Inventory number (SKU): #50023