*paris Through The Centuries* By Henri Gourdon De Genouillac, First Edition, 1879–1882

Paris Through the Centuries: A National History of Paris and the Parisians from the Founding of Lutetia to the Present Day .

• Author: Henri Gourdon de Genouillac (1826–1898)
• Publisher: F. Roy, Publisher, 222 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris
• Date: Circa 1879–1882 (First Edition)
• Format: In-4° (approximately 21 x 29 cm)
• Significance: Complete in 5 volumes

Presentation & Binding
A superb and monumental historical collection tracing the evolution of the French capital through the ages. The work is organized according to an innovative chronological and thematic framework, preceded by a letter of endorsement from the historian and academician Henri Martin. The volumes feature an elegant period binding in brown half-shagreen (or half-leather). The long spines with faux raised bands are richly adorned with gilded fleurons in coffers, scrolls at the top and bottom, and bear the title and volume number in gilded letters on contrasting labels. Marbled or matching edges. The illustrations are exceptionally rich, comprising hundreds of black-and-white engravings based on period documents.

The complete work comprises some fifty chapters organized chronologically as follows:

• Volume 1: From the Origins to the End of the Middle Ages
  • The Gallic Period and the Founding of Lutetia by the Parisii.
  • Roman Rule, the City’s Development, and the Introduction of Christianity.
  • The Barbarian invasions, Saint Genevieve, and Paris under the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties.
  • The rise of the Capetians, architectural transformations under Philip Augustus (the city walls, the Louvre).
  • Paris under Saint Louis and the major crises of the 14th century (Étienne Marcel, the Hundred Years’ War).
• Volume 2: From the Renaissance to the Wars of Religion
  • Urban life, trade guilds, and medieval Parisian institutions.
  • Paris under Francis I and Henry II: the artistic revival, Renaissance castles and monuments.
  • Religious unrest: the influence of the Reformation, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.
  • The League period and the dramatic siege of Paris by Henry IV.
• Volume 3: The Grand Siècle and Absolutism
  • Henry IV’s Entry into Paris and the City’s Reconstruction (Pont-Neuf, Place Royale).
  • The era of Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu: founding of the Academy, expansion of the Right Bank.
  • The parliamentary and princely Fronde: the barricades and the youth of Louis XIV.
  • The personal reign of Louis XIV: major beautification projects, the creation of the grand boulevards, and the transfer of the court to Versailles.
• Volume 4: The 18th Century and the Age of Enlightenment
  • The Regency and the reign of Louis XV: literary salons, urban development in the west (Champs-Élysées).
  • Daily life, the customs of Parisians, and the police in the 18th century.
  • The reign of Louis XVI and the pre-revolutionary crisis.
  • The cultural and philosophical precursors that led to the great upheavals.
• Volume 5: From the French Revolution to the 19th Century
  • The upheaval of 1789: the storming of the Bastille, the great revolutionary days, and the Reign of Terror.
  • Paris under the Directory, the Consulate, and the Napoleonic Empire (neoclassical monuments, Arc de Triomphe).
  • The Restoration and the July Monarchy (the Revolution of the Three Glorious Days in 1830).
  • The Second Republic, the Revolution of 1848, and Haussmann’s major urban renewal projects under the Second Empire.
  • Historical conclusion up to the end of the 19th century (the 1870 War, the Paris Commune, and the Third Republic)

Condition

• Binding: Good overall condition, structurally sound. Normal wear and tear on the headbands, fore-edges, and corners. Gilding on the spines is bright and vivid.
• Interior: Good condition, fresh paper. Scattered foxing spots typical of paper from this period, which do not impair readability or the quality of the engravings.

A very fine library copy, ideal for enthusiasts of Parisian history and bibliophilia.