PARIS THROUGH THE AGES Volumes I–II
Paris Through the Ages. A presentation of the monuments and historic districts of Paris from the 13th century to the present day, faithfully reconstructed based on authentic documents by architect F. Hoffbauer. Text by MM. Edouard Fournier, Paul Lacroix, Ch. Jourdain, A. Bonnardot, Jules Cousin, Franklin, Valentin Dufour, etc. Firmin Didot, 1885. 2 vols. Dimensions: 46x37cm; contemporary half-leather binding— beautiful binding, gilt top edges. Light and minor scuffs; sparse foxing—paper discoloration characteristic of the period, ex libris on the endpapers.
Both volumes are divided into 14 chapters, totaling 833 pages. The work is enriched with 761 illustrations in the text, 47 color plates, and 20 black-and-white plates (1 double-page spread). All pages are decorated. This is certainly one of the most beautiful historical works on Paris, in which the most important districts were illustrated by the architect Hoffbauer (1839–1922) in their architectural evolution from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century. The color plates are truly fascinating. The texts were written by Edouard Fournier, Paul Lacroix, A. de Montaiglon, A. Bonnardot, Jules Cousin, Franklin, Valentin Dufour, etc.
