Author(s): Neale M. Albert

Art & Photography

Pulled from the shelf of a rare-book store, Paris: Les Boulevards is a true gem that was forgotten for well over a century but will now enchant readers once again in this charming facsimile edition. 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 honours 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 re-creations 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.