Aristide Guilbert - Histoire des villes de France - 1845

1845: Guilbert, M. Aristide:
History of the Cities of France, with a general introduction for each.

6 parts
Frans.

Signed copy with note/instruction at the beginning of part I, dated 1846.




"History of the Cities of France, with a General Introduction for Each" by M. Aristide Guilbert is a comprehensive work that deals with the history of French cities. The book provides a detailed description of the development of each city, including its political, economic, cultural, and social aspects.


A remarkable highlight of the work is the artistic, high-quality steel engravings that make the book not only historically valuable but also aesthetically appealing. These detailed illustrations provide a vivid picture of the cities and their characteristic architecture, squares, and monuments, offering readers a visual journey through France. Moreover, heraldry is particularly emphasized in 'Histoire des Villes de France': at the beginning of each part, beautiful coats of arms of the respective cities are depicted, underscoring the traditions and identity of the places. This combination of high-quality engravings and heraldic symbols gives the work a unique artistic and cultural value that elevates it beyond just a historical treatise.

Each city is treated individually, with Guilbert starting with a general introduction to each city to outline its historical context. He looks at the origins of the cities, their roles in different historical periods, and their importance to the region and the country. It highlights key historical events, personalities, and developments that have shaped the face of each city.

The work is not only a chronicle but also a reflection on urban changes over time. It shows how cities have responded to events such as wars, revolutions, and economic shifts, and how they have culturally evolved.

In summary, Guilbert's work provides a comprehensive overview of the history of French cities by showcasing their individual developments and their influence on the national history of France.


Part I: 688 pages
Part II: 719 pages
Part III: 628 pages
Part IV: 624 pages
Part V: 825 pages
Part VI: 820 pages
Chips on the corners as seen in the photos; overall, in very good condition. Small tear in the large fold-out map of France at the end of part VI, with no loss of text/images.