Home > BOOKS FOR SALE > All Books >

Capendu scarce [c 1880] movable book Polichinelle - Fine - similar to Dean & Son Punch movables - unrecorded

Polichinelle Movable Published by A. Capendu,Editeur, Paris - 5 movable pages - Fine condition - similar to Dean & Son  movable Punch books
Polichinelle Movable Published by A. Capendu,Editeur, Paris - 5 movable pages - Fine condition - similar to Dean & Son movable Punch books similar to Dean & Son


 
Alternative Views:


Polichinelle

Movable Published by A. Capendu,Editeur, Paris - 5 movable pages - Fine condition

Date: ca. 1880 ( Marie was writing for Capendu in the 1880's)

Written by "Mme de Grand Maison" ( French author Marie De Grand'maison 1846 - 1933 - Pseudonym of Marie-Félicie Dufour)

Dimensions: Size: 31cm by 28.5cm

Extremely rare movable book for which no other copies can be found online.
French version of Capendu’s publishing partner for French books Dan & Son, similar to Dean & Son's Royal Movable Punch & Judy – but unlike any of the Dean books of a similar format. Unique in that the bottom images move along with the top ones.

Condition: Fine - Beautiful all original condition, still well bound with no repairs. Each movable scene is complete and working without damage to any of the parts. The pull-tabs appear to all be original, in good condition, with the usual finger smudges.


Collectors Corner:

Polichinelle is the French version of the Italian character Pulcinella and later English Punch. Capendu published several French versions of movables by Dean & Son for the French Market. This adaptation of Dean's Royal Punch and Judy books is unique to the French market.

Description of each scene (all in fine condition):

1. Polichinelle and Mother Michel: Mother Michel seeks help from Polichinelle, expressing her frustration over being deceived about her missing cat. Polichinelle hears a meowing sound, leading to a humorous situation where Mother Michel, in her anger, nearly hits an important part of someone's body with a spoon.

2. Punchinelle and the Gendarme: Polichinelle is surprised by a gendarme who warns him about the consequences of his actions, threatening imprisonment. A comical encounter ensues, with Polichinelle cleverly evading the gendarme, leading to a series of humorous exchanges and a failed attempt at capture by the gendarme.

3. Punch and the Alligator: Polichinelle encounters an alligator and engages in a witty conversation with it. Trying to understand the alligator, he narrowly avoids being bitten and decides they can't be friends due to the alligator's gluttonous nature. A comical chase happens, ending with Polichinelle outsmarting the alligator.

4. The Enemies of Polichinelle: Polichinelle introduces his dog and speaks of his magic stick's capabilities. He is then confronted by his enemies, leading to a clever and comical confrontation. Polichinelle uses a rope as a lasso, capturing his enemies in a humorous and victorious scene.

5. The Songs of Polichinelle: The chapter features Polichinelle singing a song, expressing his wit and humor. The lyrics reflect Polichinelle's playful and mischievous character, ending the story on a light-hearted note.

About the Author:

Marie Félicie Dufour, known by her pseudonym Marie de Grandmaison or Marie Melchior, was a notable French author born on October 5, 1846, in Bray-en-Thiérache, Aisne, and passed away on November 13, 1933, in Garches, Hauts-de-Seine. Her work includes a variety of literary contributions, such as youth stories, patriotic homages, civility treatises, and guides on good conduct. Her bibliography, maintained by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF), lists over a hundred works, some of which are accessible online through BNF's digital library, Gallica. Unfortunately, detailed studies on her life and career are scarce, and information about her remains limited


About Polichinelle:

Polichinelle was firmly established in France by the middle of the 17th century. The character evolved into the harlequinades of the 18th and 19th century pantomimes which were very popular in puppet and marionette shows and appears in many publications including movable books. The book, Polichineele, like many of the time period, was intended not only to entertain but also to teach morals or virtues.

For collector interest in addition look also at our website: The Great Punch Theatre, Royal Moveable Punch & Judy and Le Grand Guignol.

Questions? E-mail us at [email protected]
$1,250.00



Product Code: CAP-1B

Features