239 - [PARIS]. HERVIEU, Jules. The Paris Municipal Metropolitan Railway.

[PARIS]. HERVIEU, Jules. The Paris Municipal Metropolitan Railway. First edition of one of the earliest comprehensive studies of the Paris Metro, illustrated with numerous diagrams and photographs in the text and 29 large fold-out plates. In a handsome half-maroquin binding from the Laurenchet workshops. Paris, Ch. Béranger, 1903. Large 8vo (250 x 170 mm), half-maroquin with aubergine-colored corners, spine with fine raised lines, author’s name and title in gilt letters, date at the bottom, covers and spine preserved. Binding signed by the Laurenchet workshops. VI and 258 pages, 75 illustrations (diagrams and photographs) and 16 tables in the text, 19 engraved fold-out plates. Spine sun-faded, very rare and minimal foxing. First edition of one of the earliest studies describing the overall network and operational lines of the Paris Metropolitan Railway, the types of structures, power plants, and electrical substations, as well as the results of operating the lines in service. It was published by Jules Hervieu, who served as head of the offices of the Paris Metro’s Technical Department. Preface by Fulgence Bienvenüe, chief engineer of the Department of Public Works and head of the Paris Metro’s Technical Department. It is illustrated with numerous diagrams, photographs, and tables within the text, as well as 29 large fold-out plates, engraved and mounted on tabs at the end of the volume, featuring general maps of the network at the time, as well as various technical and architectural diagrams of the cars, lines, and stations. This copy is accompanied by a vintage postcard dated March 3, 1911 (90 x 140 mm, postmarks on the reverse) showing a photograph of railway workers posing for the inauguration of the North-South line connecting Porte de Saint-Ouen and Gare Saint-Lazare on February 26, 1911. A very fine copy of this essential study for all metro enthusiasts.