A deeply personal relic of French spiritual history, this 1940 edition of Histoire d’une Âme—the autobiography of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux—offers more than sacred text. Bound in richly patterned paper with handwritten labels and a dated inscription (Wednesday, 16 October 1940), this edition evokes wartime faith, devotion and quiet resilience.

Thérèse’s voice—gentle, devout, and unshakably human—resonates through the pages, written in the simplest of French prose. The front matter includes a moving preface detailing the collaborative nature of this sacred memoir, which includes writings from her sisters and the Carmelite order.

This is a piece for collectors of Catholic ephemera, lovers of French religious history, or anyone drawn to the quiet beauty of a book that was cherished, prayed over, and perhaps even carried in a pocket during uncertain times.

• Origin: France

• Date: 1940 (inscribed)

• Language: French

• Condition: Gently worn with edge fraying to the cover and decorative wrapper; inside pages clean and tightly bound

• Features: Decorative wrapper with calligraphy labels, handwritten 1940 dedication, soft paper stock

An amazing piece of French history.

All of our vintage art and wares are sourced from markets and brocantes across France and the UK. We go to great lengths to learn the stories behind the pieces, so you can carry on its history. Please note, all vintage items have minor imperfections due to age and wear, making the piece a touch more authentic!