Old book La France Pittoresque Alsace-Lorraine 19th century engravings Tours

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique book, entitled "La France Pittoresque de l’Est" (Picturesque France of the East), is open to a double page, revealing a detailed geographical map on the left and the title page on the right. The left page features a black and white printed map of the eastern departments of France, with a multitude of city names and administrative boundaries clearly visible. The right page displays the full title: "La France Pittoresque de l’Est", followed by "Histoire et géographie des provinces d’Alsace-Lorraine, Franche-Comté, Bourgogne, Nivernais, Bourbonnais, Lyonnais, Savoie, Dauphiné et des départements issus de ces provinces" (History and geography of the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine, Franche-Comté, Burgundy, Nivernais, Bourbonnais, Lyonnais, Savoy, Dauphiné and the departments resulting from these provinces) by Adolphe Joanne, with the publisher "Alfred Mame et Fils, Tours".

The paper shows a characteristic patina of 19th-century works, with slightly browned edges, traces of dampness, and some visible stains, mainly towards the center and margins. The corners are rounded from wear, and the binding appears flexible, allowing the book to lie open flat. The print of the text and map remains clear despite the aging of the paper.

The typographic composition and style of the title page, as well as the presence of original engravings, confirm the authentic and antique nature of the work. The cartographic illustration, typical of late 19th-century editions, offers a precise overview of regional geography as it was perceived at the time. The whole evokes a historical reference work, both documentary and illustrated, intended to showcase the heritage and landscapes of Eastern France.

The cover is not visible in the photo, but the book's structure suggests a classic format for this type of regional edition. The pages appear thick and well-preserved, suitable for frequent consultation and the inclusion of engravings.

The details visible on the title page, the author's and publisher's names, and the regional map attest to particular editorial care. The work bears the marks of ancient use, with signs of handling and storage, but retains all its interest for discovering French provinces, particularly Alsace-Lorraine and Burgundy.

Condition

Used book, sold as is. Shows signs of wear, patina, stains, and rounded corners visible on the photographed pages. Flexible binding, pages well-preserved but yellowed by time.

Did you know? Alfred Mame et Fils, located in Tours, were one of the largest French publishers of the 19th century, renowned for the quality of their prints and engravings, particularly in regional and historical works.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping. Appropriate packaging to preserve the integrity of the work. Professional seller specializing in antique books and historical objects.

Keywords: antique book, La France pittoresque, Alsace-Lorraine, original engraving, antique map, 19th-century edition, Alfred Mame Tours, geographical book, regional work, history of France, antique book, French illustrated book