"Plan de Paris a Ruban Indicateur des Magasins du Bon Marche, Maison Aristide Boucicaut Paris", Anon.

Pocket guidebook with 48 pages plus detailed folding map of Paris. The map features four vignettes of the Magasins du Bon Marche, one in each corner: eCuries, entrée Rue de Sevres, Entrée Rue de Bac, and a fine Vue Generale des Magasins du Bon Marche. The map has an attached red ribbon measuring tape incremented up to 74 unknown units. The book's text is in English, including U.S. Customs information. Hardbound in blue linen with gilt titling on cover and fine view of the Bon Marche in gilt embossed on the back cover. Size 6.5 x 4.7". Table of Contents, title page, Calendar (1891), text and wood engravings, which includes a biography and portraits of Aristide and Madame Boucicaut, List of the Different Goods Sold at the Bon Marche, French Coins and their British and United States Value, Post and Telegraph, Musee de Louvre, street index keyed to folding map.

The Grands Magasins du Bon Marche was the world's first department store. The brainchild of Aristide Boucicaut, it was established in 1852 and moved into its incredible, purpose-built premises in 1869. These premises were extended in 1873 and 1876 by Louis-Charles Boileau, this latter extension being undertaken with the help of Gustave Eiffel and being notable for its use of glass and iron.

References:

Condition: B

Covers rubbed and bumped. Front inside end paper split from binding. Map with a few fold separations or intersection splits, lightly toned along folds.