Paris: Les Boulevards

Description

Paris's romantic architecture and vibrant street culture make it one of the most enjoyable cities in the world to stroll and people watch in. This charming little illustrated volume by Charles Franck captures just that through delicate lithographs: panoramic cityscapes of the most gorgeous Parisian boulevards in Victorian-era illustrations. Complete with horse buggies in the streets, women in society hats, and men in coattails, Paris: Les Boulevards highlights a nostalgic era in both fashion and architecture. To further add to the charm, this volume honors its original unique binding with twelve gatefolds: each page folds out to six panels displaying the whole of the famous promenades at once. With pages including Boulevard des Italiens, Avenue de l'Opera, and Boulevard Montmartre, Parisians and tourists alike will savour Franck's beautiful and meticulous recreations of the city's most important streets and their buildings. The book only exists in one other library in the world, so little is known about the original publication date or the author, but the artwork is still captivating: Paris remains one of the most romantic and dreamy cities in the world, and for this Paris: Les Boulevards will be perfect for those of all ages smitten with the city's charms.

Neale M. Albert, a retired attorney, is a collector of designer bindings. He is an Honorary Fellow of Designer Binders, the leading group of designer book binders. Pamela Golbin is the chief curator at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and the author of Louis Vuitton/Marc Jacobs.

"This slim hardcover offers a delectable nugget that has the power to transport you into a bubble of Gallic magic. It will be a short, sweet trip, as the book is comprised of just 11 gate-folded illustrated maps." -ParisBlog.com "This enchanting little volume by Charles Franck captures the romantic buildings and street culture of the Victorian era through delicate drawings and panoramic cityscapes with eleven pull-out gatefolds...the illustrations will gently propel you back to another era when leisurely strolling and people watching were an art." -ENTREE NEWSLETTER "Each illustration is exquisitely detailed, down to the windows of each building and the elegant horse drawn carriages and 19th century men and women strolling amidst the grandeur of old Paris. . . 'Paris Les Boulevards' is a charming, interesting look at the boulevards of Paris in all their 19th century glory." -ViveLaQueen.blogspot.com