Text in French. Attributed to Lille printer Simon-François Blocquel. A guide for children, in two sections. The first entitled "Savant de huit ans: sciences, arts et métiers;" the second entitled "Petit coloriste: de enluminure." Describes the printing trades. With six color plates entitled Peintre (frontispiece), Sculpture, Graveur en taille-douce, Relieur, Imprimeur en caractères mobiles. Also with color title. Numerous black and white illustrations include the human anatomy and musical scores.

Simon-François Blocquel (1780-1863) was a Lille printer and bookseller. Born in Douai, he was orphaned and was raised by his aunt, who was married to a printer and bookseller of Lille. He became an apprentice in his uncle's printing trade. He worked in association with Lille bookseller Jean-Baptiste Castiaux from 1809 to circa 1835. Blocquel published a number of works related to geography and foreign cultures (see Roger J.D. Collins, "Simon Blacquel, Imagier et Éditeur Lillois," in the Journal de la Société des Océanistes 41 (1985). He was active in the Lille business community, and he also served on the municipal council of that city from 1820 to 1857.

Covers rubbed and scuffed at edges, worn at extremities of spine. Gilt stamping on front cover partly worn. Outside joints and inside hinges cracked. Front free endpaper loose.