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

A special first edition of Prague: Histoire, Arts, Économie from 1905, written by Henri Hantich and featuring a preface by the French historian Ernest Denis.

This richly illustrated publication 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 numerous historical photographs and drawings of famous Prague monuments, including the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Prague Castle.

What makes this copy special is the handwritten author's dedication by Henri Hantich to Charles (Karel) Chytil, dated April 12, 1905. Chytil was a prominent Czech art historian and director of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. This gives this copy a special historical provenance directly linked to the cultural Prague of this period.

The book has retained its original illustrated cover, featuring the characteristic silhouette of Prague Castle. The interior is richly supplied with historical cityscapes, 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)
• Preface: Ernest Denis (1849-1921)
• Edition: First edition, 1905
• Publishers: Librairie Nilsson, Paris and Librairie F. Topič, Prague
• Printer: Imprimerie Unie, Prague
• Origin: Prague, then Austria-Hungary
• Language: French
• Pages: XI + 109
• Dimensions: 32 × 22 × 1.6 cm
• Format: Large-format book with original illustrated paper cover
• Illustrations: Historical photographs, drawings, and separate illustration plates
• Photography: Including H. Eckert
• Notes: Handwritten author's dedication from Henri Hantich to art historian Karel Chytil, dated April 12, 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 preserved in generally clean condition. The book comes with a transparent protective cover.