Book titled, Catherine de Médicis by Henri Bouchot (1849-1906). The book contains the biography of Catherine de Médicis, Queen, consort of Henry II, King of France (1519-1589). Original edition, copy number XXXVI (36). Published by Jean Boussod, Manzi, Joyant & Cie, Paris in 1899. Bound by Lucien Durvand, master French binder in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (signed "DURVAND REL. / FAU & LEF." within gilt on bottom left and right corners of front cover). Full plates printed in grisaille, sepia and colour accompany text. The full gilt-tooled red leather book cover is separating from pages. Catherine and Henri II's conjoined ciphers (H and double-C) are gilt on spine and cover. Catherine's motto "Bringing light and peace of mind" in Greek surround central ciphers on front and back covers. Edges of pages are gilded. A gold, orange and green thin ribbon bookmark sewn to top of spine. There is a printed-paper bookplate for Charles MacA. Willcox adhered to interior of front cover. All text in in French.
Donated as part of the original Boettcher collection donated by Edna Boettcher in 1960. On exhibit/in use at Governor's residence since 1960.