Guide Book Collection

Guidebook - Seeing Glasgow by Tram and Bus. Issued in conjunstion with the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Scotland

Holiday Haunts guide book, 1947
A 1947 edition of the popular Holiday Haunts guide books published by the GWR. A glamorous blonde poses in a white two-part swimming costume in front of a lively beach scene

Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields: the Monks Parlour, 1864. Creator: Watkins
Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields: the Monks Parlour, 1864. We now descend to the Monks Parloir, which has its ceiling and walls mostly covered with fragments

Devant le tableau de Monsieur Gustave Moreau, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Devant le tableau de Monsieur Gustave Moreau, 19th century. Exhibition. First visitor: A cat with a low-cut neckline and a woman's head, that's called a Sphinx then

Wallet of Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, published by Andreas Freitag
472852 Wallet of Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, published by Andreas Freitag, Rome, not before 1485 and not after 1489 (leather) by Italian School

Pages from Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus
472850 Pages from Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, published by Andreas Freitag, Rome

Page from Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, published by Andreas Freitag
472851 Page from Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, published by Andreas Freitag, Rome, not before 1485 and not after 1489 (woodcut) by Italian School

The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I looking at a guidebook to the pleasure quarters, c. 1750

Russians (Oroshiajin), 1861. Creator: Yoshikazu
Russians (Oroshiajin), 1861

They "Do"Cologne Cathedral (engraving)
2808372 They " Do" Cologne Cathedral (engraving) by Doyle, Richard (1824-83); Private Collection; (add.info.: They " Do" Cologne Cathedral)

Page from a German language copy of Mirabilia Romae
472853 Page from a German language copy of Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, possibly published by Ulrich Han, Rome

Pages from a German language copy of Mirabilia Romae
472854 Pages from a German language copy of Mirabilia Romae, Historia et Descriptio Urbis Romae by Pseudo-Aegidius Romanus, possibly published by Ulrich Han, Rome

Front cover of a German guidebook for Cairo, 1896 (colour litho)
CHT181858 Front cover of a German guidebook for Cairo, 1896 (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; German, out of copyright

John Bulls Trip to the Continent (chromolitho)
1042515 John Bulls Trip to the Continent (chromolitho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Bulls Trip to the Continent)

Guide book for The Cornish Riviera, 1914

Holiday Haunts guide book, 1906
Holiday Haunts guide book from 1906

TEXAS: GUIDEBOOK, 1841. Title page to Texas: Its History, Topography, Agriculture, Commerce, and General Statistics, by Arthur Ikin, British consul for the Republic of Texas in London

GUIDE TO PIKEs PEAK, 1859. Cover of L. J. Eastins Emigrants Guide to Pikes Peak, published at Leavenworth City
GUIDE TO PIKEs PEAK, 1859. Cover of L.J. Eastins Emigrants Guide to Pikes Peak, published at Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory, 1859

KARL BAEDEKER (1801-1859). German publisher. Wood engraving, German, 19th century

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"Exploring the Past and Present: A Journey through Guidebooks" Guidebooks have long been our trusted companions, offering a glimpse into different eras and cultures. From "Seeing Glasgow by Tram and Bus" to the "Holiday Haunts guide book" of 1947, these invaluable resources transport us to various destinations. In 1914, travelers sought guidance from the "Guide book for The Cornish Riviera, " while adventurers in 1906 relied on the earlier edition of the "Holiday Haunts guide book. " These treasured volumes provided insights into idyllic holiday spots, capturing moments frozen in time. Delving even further back, we encounter an extraordinary artifact - a leather-bound wallet containing the enchanting tales of Rome. Known as Mirabilia Romae, this historic guidebook was published between 1485 and 1489 by Andreas Freitag. Its pages reveal woodcut prints that vividly depict ancient wonders and landmarks. One such page showcases Cologne Cathedral in all its grandeur—an engraving that transports us to Germany's architectural marvels. Meanwhile, German language copies of Mirabilia Romae offer glimpses into how this captivating guidebook spread across borders and captivated readers far beyond Italy's shores. Traveling eastward brings us to Japan in the mid-18th century when actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I consults his trusty guidebook before venturing into pleasure quarters. This depiction captures both cultural curiosity and practicality as individuals sought recommendations for their explorations. Even Russia had its own version of a travel companion—a print from 1861 portrays Russians consulting their Oroshiajin (guidebook) during their journeys. Such images remind us that throughout history, people have turned to these guides for advice on unfamiliar territories. From tram rides through Glasgow to strolls along Roman streets or visits to majestic cathedrals—these diverse snapshots highlight how guidebooks have shaped our understanding of the world.