Antiquarian French Leather Prayer Book: Method for Conversing with God, 1774

Rare & Original Antique French Prayer Book for your consideration. The book is small, measuring approx. 2 1/2 inches X 4 1/4 inches and approx. 1/2 of an inch thick. French, 18th Century. Titled, “Méthode pour converser avec Dieu” (Method for Conversing with God). Published in Paris in 1774 during the Ancien Régime, this devotional manual was written by the Jesuit theologian and author Michel Boutauld (1625–1689).

This particular copy is a “Nouvelle Edition” (New Edition), notably expanded to include a section on the proper spiritual use of time (“bon emploi du tems”). The title page features a classic 18th-century typographic layout, an ornamental vignette, and an intriguing early handwritten ownership inscription in ink (“de la tradition de St. Gavin”).

The imprint notes it was published in Paris by Charles Pierre Berton, located on Rue S. Victor, directly across from the Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet Seminary, under the shop sign “The Rising Sun” (au Soleil levant). The bottom of the title page bears the exact printed Roman numeral date: M.D.CC.LXXIV (1774), complete with royal/ecclesiastical printing authorization (“Avec Approbation & Privilege”).

• Full antique brown calfskin leather binding. The front and back cover are embellished with a central, gold gilt-stamped gold gilt cross emblem and framed by a decorative gold-tooled geometric and floral border.
• Spine features gold gilt detailing (showing expected historical wear).

The book is in good antique condition. Shows wear commensurate with age and use:

• Expected shelf wear, rubbing to the edges, and minor chipping to the leather at the spine ends and corners. The boards remain attached.
• Interior: The text block is structurally intact. Pages show typical 18th-century foxing, light toning, and minor staining consistent with age and handling over the last 250+ years. No major missing text pages observed.
• Inscriptions: Includes an early, authentic cursive ink signature/provenance note on the title page.

A magnificent, authentic piece of history. Perfect for serious antiquarian book collectors, theologians, historians, or simply as a sophisticated styling element for luxury library shelves, mantels, and tablescapes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and thank you for shopping at Paths Before You.

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