Paris: Alexis Gaudin, 1861. First edition. Folio, (ii), 96 pp. Bound in the nineteenth century with cloth-backed marbled paper over boards. 24 consecutive issues, published on the 15th and 30th of each month, each 4 pp. The complete production for 1861. Occasional stains or breaks, generally in a blank margin with the loss of a few letters in 4 instances; moderate toning; early folds from the mailing practice of the day. In all, very good. Includes the printed table of contents for the year. Item #51995

La Lumière was the journal of the world's first photographic society, the Société Héliographique, founded by Colonel B.R. de Montfort in January, 1851. The Société met in rooms at Col. de Montfort's home in central Paris; among its members were Baron Gros, the president, Édouard Baldus, Hippolyte Bayard, Henri Le Secq, Gustave Le Gray, Charles Nègre, Abel Niépce de Saint-Victor, Edmond Becquerel, Eugène Delacroix, Champfleury, Charles Chevalier, N.P. Lerebours, Comte L. de Laborde, Prince de Montléart, and Baron de Montesquieu.

La Lumière began publication on 9 February 1851, making it the third photographic journal to appear worldwide, and the first in Europe; the other two began a few months earlier. Initially, the journal was edited by F.A. Renard, and with the second volume beginning 16 November 1851, the ownership transferred from the Société Héliographique to Alexis Gaudin. Ernest Lucan became the editor on December of 1851 and continued in that position until he resigned in December of 1860. Marc Antoine Gaudin assumed the editorship for the final years of publication. This journal is invaluable for the artistic and well as the technical discussions and criticism.

OCLC locates only a few institutional holdings, of which 4 have only the first 9 or 10 years, and the others have microform reels.

Price: $750.00