Originally issued in parts, 1839-42
Completed vols. 1-3 were first issued without subtitle on t.p., 1840-41
Text by Achard, Balzac, Janin, Karr, Nodier, Soulié, and many others. Illustrations by Gavarni, Grandville, Johannot, Meissonnier, and others
Vols. 1-5 deal with general types. Vols. [6-8] (numbered 1-3) contain provincial and colonial types and have title: Les Français peints par eux-mêmes; encyclopédie morale du dix-neuvième siécle. Province
Supplementary v. [9] has title: Le Prisme; encyclopédie morale du dix-neuvème siécle
Two signed autograph letters from Henri Monnier to Curmer inserted in v. [6]
Ex libris Pierre van der Rest.
