Le Roman d’un Gamin
Mathieu Fournier
Sold by Timeless Books, Luton, BEDFO, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 10 March 2026
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Good
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Timeless Books, Luton, BEDFO, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since 10 March 2026
Condition: Used - Good
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketRare 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.
Seller Inventory # ABE-1773602123513
If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION
Statutory Right to cancel
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days for any reason.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Timeless Books, 159 Hitchin road, Luton, LU2 0EP, Luton, Bedfordshi, United Kingdom, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Timeless Books, Luton, Bedfordshi, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of cancellation
The right of cancellation does not apply to:
Model withdrawal form
(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)
To: (Timeless Books, 159 Hitchin road, Luton, LU2 0EP, Luton, Bedfordshi, United Kingdom)
I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),
Ordered on (*)/received on (*)
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)
Date
* Delete as appropriate.
| Order quantity | 14 to 45 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 4.10 | £ 8.85 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.