A. Capendu, Paris
Le Petit Poucet (Movable Book – Pull-Tab/Tirette Format)
Paris: A. Capendu, [circa 1890]. First edition thus. Quarto (11 15/16 × 8 11/16 in. / 30.3 × 22 cm). [14] pages, unpaginated. Six full-color chromolithographed movable plates operated by pull-tabs, interleaved with six text pages illustrated in sepia. Original color pictorial paper-covered boards, rebacked with cloth spine. Text in French. Illustrated by Karl Zinn. Adapted from Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale.
Condition: Very Good. All movables complete and working. Small tears around pulls are invisibly repaired. Movable parts are complete with no tears. Binding tight and spine in excellent condition. Text block has been reinforced only at front and back covers.
Collector’s Corner:
This movable edition of Le Petit Poucet (Tom Thumb) is part of the Librairie Enfantine Illustrée series issued by A. Capendu in the late 19th century. Featuring the exquisite illustrations of Karl Zinn, the book combines finely printed chromolithographs with interactive pull-tabs that animate key scenes from the tale. Each mechanical plate reveals a transformation or action when the tab is pulled—such as Tom Thumb navigating the forest or confronting the ogre—designed to delight and instruct young readers.
The Capendu firm, based in Paris and active from the 1880s through the early 20th century, was known for its collaborations with both French and international illustrators. Its Albums cartonnés à tirettes were among the most elaborate of the period, often incorporating both imported techniques and local artistry.