"The power of words is immense. A well-chosen word has often sufficed to stop a flying army, to change defeat into victory, and to save an empire." -Emile de Girardin
 
"Tales from an old maid to her nephews" by Madame Emile de Girardin is a collection of 7 moral stories for children. It was published in Paris by Charles Gosselin in 1833. Madame Emile de Girardin (to see on the last picture - which is NOT included in the book), born as Delphine Gay, was one of the highest appreciated poets of her time, since when she was only 17 years old. She published many works, one of the first ones where the lettres parisiennes, which she had to publish under the pseudonym Vicomte de Launay. Since she married a publisher, further, she wrote many plays, poems, letters and books and was able to publish them under her real name. She was also well known for her literary salon, where she has welcomed many popular writers of her time. The books, that you can acquire here, she wrote at the age of 28. They provide insight in the upbringing and education of children in the 19th century and is beautifully written and made. An enchanting addition to every bookshelf. 
The two volumes are in in-12 (15x10 cm) and in their original full caramel calfskin bounding, decorated with cold-stamped decoration on the covers, a richly decorated ribbed spine with gilded edges. The second edition is also decorated with two frontispieces by Alfred Johannot, they are still extant. The condition is good, there is wear and friction on the boards and blunt corners and scattered freckles, as well as white traces in the title and the scriptures on the covers. All in all, they form a beautiful and nostalgic addition to every collection.