French Revolution]. Miniature French Almanac. Unattributed. [Paris]. 1790.

12; 24;13-24 printed pages in French. 12mo. Nine engraved plates by Durgez. No title page. The book includes a calendar with saints and phases of the moon, and short poems/verses. Date of publication from page one, [1790.] Janvier. Clear French letter-press throughout on lightly toned rag paper. The almanac includes nine engraved plates associated with a number of short poems and airs, including: L'Heureuse Adoption Ou Le Prix de la Reconnoissance; La Double contrainte; Le Debat Heureusement Termine; Le Debat Genereux; La Surprise Agreable; La Petite Babillarde; Le Vieillard Consolant; Le Porrtrait; La Conquete Irreprochablle; Les Voeux D'Un Bon Fils; La Niece Reconnoissaante; Le Veritable Ami. Verso of plates with old stains, not affecting the images. Age-toned leaves with very minor browning. 45 x 70 mm. Original gilt decorated full burgundy morocco binding featuring crossed arrows, winged heart, and monumental urn motifs - representing, respectively, friendship/alliance, the ascension of the soul or romantic love, and mourning or immortality. Slightly rubbed and gilt a little worn in places. Not in Bondy, nor Grand-Carteret, nor Welsh. WorldCat locates no copies worldwide.  This item is at the very tail end of the old regime and the very beginning of the French Revolution (1789-99). While some 1790 almanacs still contained traditional information, they were produced during a time of massive social upheaval, making this an extremely scarce survivor from a rapidly vanishing pre-Revolutionary era. Engravings by Jean-Baptiste-Denis Durgez from 1790 are particularly interesting as they represent the peak of French engraving just before the French Revolution significantly disrupted the luxury book trade. You are left wondering what happened to the wealthy Parisian who once owned this miniature book during the violent uprising.