Songs from Beranger (1893)

This cute little book contains English translations of the work of the French poet Pierre-Jean de Beranger. He composed his poetry during the time of Napolean and the turbulent years that followed his exile, Beranger himself was arrested and imprisoned several times for his political writings.

In this book a selection of his poems have been translated into English by the Canadian poet Craven Langstroth Betts. Contents of this book include “Charles VII”, “Les Gaulois et Francois” and “Adieu de la Campagne”.

Title: Songs from Beranger
Author: Craven Langstroth Betts (translator)
Publisher: Frederick A. Stokes Company
Publication Year: 1893
Pages: 254
Size: 11cm x 16cm

This book has sky blue cloth boards with elaborate gilt embellishment on the spine and the front board. The top and bottom of the spine are worn but do not have any tears. There is a faded yellow mark on the front board. There are some occasional light foxing marks on the pages and on the inside of the front and back boards.

On the first page is a pencilled named that appears to read “Dulce Lawing” (very difficult to read the handwriting). The top of the text block has light gilting. The spine is intact and all the binding is secure, none of the pages are loose or missing.

The publishing date reads “MDCCCXCIII” which means “1893”. For a book that’s over 100 years old this is in fairly good condition, the decorated front board is absolutely gorgeous and would look lovely on any bookshelf.