Prague - Henri Hantich - First Edition 1905 - Author's dedication to Karel Chytil

A first edition of Prague: Histoire, Arts, Économie from 1905, written by Henri Hantich with a foreword by Ernest Denis. This book is of historical importance, and following our decision to donate it, it is now the property of the Museum of Czech Literature.

The most remarkable feature of this copy is the handwritten author's dedication by Henri Hantich to Karel Chytil, dated 12 April 1905. Chytil was a leading Czech art historian and director of the Museum of Applied Arts in Prague. This copy therefore has a connection with the culture of old Prague.

This book was originally intended for sale, but we donated it to the Museum of Czech Literature in Prague (Muzeum literatury.) on 10 November 2026. We wished to further investigate the previously mentioned handwritten dedication, and we had sent photographs to the museum in Prague where Chytil was director. A professor there officially identified the handwriting as Hantich's and noted that there had been no previous connection between Hantich and Chytil. We were referred to the Museum of Czech Literature, and from that point on we offered to donate the book if they were interested, partly because we had received such a prompt and enthusiastic response from both museums. As it was important to us to have found a book with enough historical value to be added to a museum collection, we decided to hand it over in person. Their aim is to digitize the book and make it available for further study, and they have provided us with documentation proving the donation. 

This richly illustrated edition describes the history, architecture, art and culture of Prague at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the city was still part of Austria-Hungary. The book contains historical photographs and drawings of famous Prague monuments, including the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, the Týn Church and the Prague Castle.

The book retains its original illustrated cover featuring the characteristic silhouette of the Prague Castle. The interior is richly supplied with historical city views, architectural photography and illustrations.

A special collector's item for enthusiasts of Prague, European history, historical photography and antiquarian books with an interesting provenance.

Details

• Title: Prague
• Subtitle: Histoire, Arts, Économie
• Author: Henri Hantich (1855-1919)
• Foreword: Ernest Denis (1849-1921)
• Edition: First edition, 1905
• Publishers: Librairie Nilsson, Paris and Librairie F. Topič, Prague
• Printer: Imprimerie Unie, Prague
• Provenance: Prague, then Austria-Hungary
• Language: French
• Pages: XI + 109
• Dimensions: 32 × 22 × 1.6 cm
• Binding: Large-format book with original illustrated paper cover
• Illustrations: Historical photographs, drawings and separate illustration plates
• Photography: Including H. Eckert
• Special features: Handwritten author's dedication by Henri Hantich to art historian Karel Chytil, dated 12 April 1905
• Condition: Fair antique condition with signs of age and use. The original cover shows wear and the binding is fragile but still intact. The interior has been kept largely neat. The book is fitted with a transparent protective cover.