Paroissien Romain | 1890s Faux Tortoise Shell Clasp Book

Paroissien Romain printed by Thellier-Crépin, Merville, France. Publication c. late 1890s (Text carries a movable feast liturgical calendar spanning 1898–1907).

While massive publishing houses in Tours (Mame) or Limoges dominated the national market, regional printers like Thellier-Crépin produced high-quality, localized liturgical books for dioceses in northern France and Belgium. 

This unique gem features a fully intact faux-tortoise-shell celluloid cover with a cross on the front and delicate mother-of-pearl flowers and leaves.

It features gold-gilt pages, a gold-tone metal clasp closure, and a colorful chromolithograph frontispiece featuring the Latin phrase "Natus est vobis Salvator," which translates to "For unto you is born a Savior." It is taken directly from the Biblical passage Luke 2:11, which details the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds. Pages feature detailed borders around text. Latin and French Language, 440 pages.

75 mm W x 105 mm H 

Condition: Some light scratches to cover, clasp hinge is stiff but functional, endpapers are missing, headbands have some fraying. Good condition.  

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