A complete three-volume set of Marquis de Foudras's novel *Un Caprice de grande dame*, published in Paris by Alexandre Cadot in 1850. Preserved in its original printed yellow paper wrappers (*en broché*), as issued prior to custom binding, and tied with traditional twine.

Théodore-Louis-Auguste, Marquis de Foudras (1800–1872) was a prolific 19th-century French novelist of the Romantic era, renowned for his popular fiction and aristocratic social satire. Alexandre Cadot was a prominent mid-19th-century Parisian publisher specializing in serial fiction, including works by Alexandre Dumas, Paul Féval, and Xavier de Montépin, whose contemporary titles are advertised on the rear wrapper.

Condition Report & Historical Details

• Author: Marquis de Foudras (Théodore-Louis-Auguste de Foudras, 1800–1872)
• Title: Un Caprice de grande dame
• Publisher: Alexandre Cadot, Éditeur, 37, rue de la Harpe, Paris
• Date: 1850
• Format: 3 volumes, octavo (in-8), original printed paper wrappers (broché)
• Markings: Spines printed "Le Marquis de Foudras / UN CAPRICE DE GRANDE DAME / 1, 2, 3 / A. CADOT / 1850"; rear wrapper printed with publisher's catalog ("EN VENTE") featuring works by Paul Féval, A. Dumas, Sophie Gay, and Marquis de Foudras
• Material / Technique: Letterpress printing on paper, original paper wrappers
• Origin: France
• Condition: Heavy wear, chipping, severe edge tearing, and paper loss to outer wrappers and spines; textblock edges untrimmed and deckled; age-toning and spotting throughout; bound together as a set with vintage twine cord

History

In 19th-century France, literary works were customarily sold *en broché*—in temporary printed paper wrappers—so that buyers could have them custom-bound in leather or cloth according to their personal library aesthetics. Surviving multi-volume novels in their untouched original publisher's wrappers are particularly appreciated by bibliophiles for providing an authentic record of mid-19th-century French printing and trade binding practices.