1698 French Antiquarian Theology: Paraphrase Courte des Pseaumes de David (Tome 3) – Paris, Denis Mariette – 12mo Pocket Format (16cm x 11cm) – Binding Copy - FB08

An authentic, 328-year-old French religious artifact printed during the historic reign of King Louis XIV. This volume is Tome Troisième (Volume 3) of Jean Polinier's renowned "Paraphrase courte ou Traduction suivie des Pseaumes de David" (Short Paraphrase or Continued Translation of the Psalms of David).

Printed in Paris by master bookbinder and printer Denis Mariette, located on ruë Saint Jacques, à Saint Augustin. This copy features the fascinating, full-page official "Extrait du Privilège du Roy" (Royal Copyright/Monopoly) page dated February 4, 1697, complete with an exquisite 17th-century copperplate engraving vignette depicting musical cherubs.

Item Specifications:

Early Ownership Provenance: Features an original, authentic 17th/18th-century handwritten owner signature in iron gall ink at the top of the preliminary flyleaf.

Natural Age Patina: Showcases classic period foxing (speckled brown aging) on the blank endpapers, adding to its genuine antique aesthetic.

• Author: Attributed to Jean Polinier
• Publisher: Chez Denis Mariette (Paris, France)
• Publication Year: 1698 (Title page reads M. DC. XCVIII.)
• Format: Duodecimo (12mo) / Historical Pocket Edition Dimensions:
• Approximately 16 cm x 11 cm

One particularly interesting feature

The paper visible inside the covers appears to be handmade laid paper with visible chain lines and remnants of early manuscript writing. That suggests the binder may have used recycled older paper as binding waste, which is entirely normal in 17th-century bindings and can sometimes be historically interesting in its own right.

Condition Report (Sold Strictly AS IS): This volume is offered as a premier "Binding Copy" or restoration lot, making it an ideal project piece for bookbinding students, a genuine historical prop, or a shelf display artifact.

Good antiquarian condition. It exhibits authentic period foxing and light, stable water staining, but all typography and black ink strikes remain bold, clear, and fully legible.

Exterior Binding: The original full calfskin cover boards are present but show severe rubbing, missing corners, exposed pulpboards and what appears to be water damage. The original, beautifully ornate gilt-tooled (gold-leafed) spine flap is entirely present but has fully split along the front joint and is currently detached on one side.

This rare edition has been priced to reflect its age, rarity and condition. Please use the photos as part of the condition report. We are not antiquarian book experts - our antique and vintage books were acquired in France from estate sales. Please feel free to explore your own research and ask questions if desired.