Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant-Jésus (Histoire d'une Âme)
Sainte Thérèse de Lisieux
📚 Genre
Biography/Autobiography - Religious/Christian Mysticism
🏢 Publisher
Office Central de Lisieux (Carmel de Lisieux)
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1925-1930 (based on canonization date reference of 1925 on the frontispiece)
🔢 ISBN
Not applicable (Pre-ISBN era)
About This Book
The spiritual autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, commonly known as 'Story of a Soul.' The book describes her 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood and trust in God. The visible pages show a color frontispiece of the Saint with roses/angels and a highly decorative title page with Art Nouveau floral borders and the Carmelite coat of arms.
Book Details
Language
French
Pages
Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for these editions)
Edition
Early 20th-century illustrated edition, potentially a 'Sœur de Charité' or commemorative canonization edition
Series
Standalone religious text, though often part of the collected works of the Saint
Target Audience
Adult/Lay Catholic and religious scholars
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Significant wear visible on the page edges (foxing and darkening), a tear at the top of the frontispiece hinge, and handled/soiled edges. The binding appears strained.
Estimated Value
$30-$75
Rarity
Uncommon. While these were printed in large quantities in the 1920s, well-preserved copies with the original color plates are becoming harder to find, though they are not 'rare' in the bibliographical sense.
Historical Significance
One of the most influential Catholic books of the 20th century. Thérèse was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church; this edition reflects the peak of her popularity following her canonization.
Collector Notes
Value is heavily dependent on the presence of all color plates and the condition of the fragile paper. Collectors should look for the 'Carmel de Lisieux' imprint as the most authentic. To preserve, store in a low-humidity environment to prevent further foxing and avoid handling with soiled hands, as the porous paper absorbs oils easily.
Similar Books
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila; Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross; The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos
Notable Features
Includes a tipped-in color frontispiece illustrating her canonization banner and elaborate woodcut-style engravings on the title page.