Galignani’s - New Guide of Paris - 1830

Galignani’s New Guide of Paris.
Seventeenth Edition, with maps, twelve engravings, etc. Paris, A. and W. Galignani, at the English, French, Italian, German and Spanish Library, No. 18, Rue Vivienne, [1830-35]

In-12 (16.2 × 10 cm when bound).
Pp. [16], lxxxii, 763, [22]; 3 folded plates (including the large Plan of Paris 1832 in color and the Panorama of the Curiosities of Paris) + 12 plates out of text engraved (buildings and monuments: Bourse, Place Vendôme, Palais du Luxembourg, Palais-Royal, etc.).

Manuscript name on the cut (“John A. M. Douall”)

Contemporary full green morocco binding with title and ornaments in gold on the; front board and spine; binding somewhat loose, wear and abrasions typical of use, but complete and solid.

A complete and detailed guide to Paris and environs intended for English-speaking travelers: accurate description of all public buildings, gardens, political, scientific, commercial, religious and moral institutions; summary of laws interesting to foreigners; historical sketch of the city; practical instructions for travel and stay; itinerary “to see Paris in a week”; comparative scales of weights and measures, monetary values, customs duties; directory of Paris bankers and merchants; extensive section on the environs with particular attention to Versailles.

Galignani guides were, for much of the nineteenth century, the indispensable reference for English and American travelers in Paris, published by the famous Galignani booksellers of Rue Vivienne (founded by Italians and having become one of the main English-language cultural centers of the capital). The Seventeenth edition (1830) is particularly interesting because it captures Paris at the end of the Restoration / beginning of the July Monarchy, with maps and engravings of great documentary quality.

Complete copies of all plates and folded maps are rather rare on the antique market: these are practical-use books, often worn and lacking illustrations.

The presence of the manuscript name on the cut (“John A. M. Douall”) and the overall good condition of the volume further increase its collectible interest.