Paris: Leiber, 1862. First edition. 8vo., [ii], [2], 413, [blank 414], 419 - 420 pp. [i.e. 416 pages, and complete]. Original printed wrappers, bound in modern half brown morocco and marbled paper over boards with the spine in six compartments, titled in gilt. Publisher's address eradicated from the front wrapper with no loss to the paper; a one inch tape repair on the half-title page, faint damp stain on the first 100 pages. In all, a very good and bright copy in an attractive binding. Item #52093

Joseph Auguste Belloc (1789 - 1881) like many of his photographic contemporaries, began his career as a painter. His introduction to photography was to the daguerreian process, and in the early 1850s, he was using wet collodion and wax coating his prints, which added to their luster. He was an ardent experimenter and teacher whose publications were popular and accessible.

This work suggests practical and theoretical uses for photography, including daguerreotype, calotype, extensive consideration to the collodion process (archerotype, etc), optics, processing room, and stereo; preceded by a history and section on photographic chemistry.

I have now owned two copies of this title and can note that there are two different imprints: Leiber, and Chez Dentu, et Chez L'Auteur. Both have the identical printer's mark, "VERSAILLES - IMPRIMERIE CERF, 59, RUE DU PLESSIS" , and appear to be from the same type setting. However, the Leiber copy appears to be printed on a better quality paper and bulks at 7/8 inches while the Dentu copy bulks at 3/4 inches. This would explain the eradication of a portion of the imprint on the front wrapper of this copy. Bellier de la Chavignerie, Manuel Bibliographie du Photographe Francais, 1863, No. 140 lists Dentu as the publisher. Roosens and Salu No. 4240 listing Leiber as the publisher. WorldCat locates 13 copies, a mix between the 2 publishers.

Price: $1,450.00