Itineraries of Catalonia - Antique Book, 1823

Curious and fascinating leather-bound book with marbled-paper pastdown which shows the distances between different places and locations in Catalonia in the shape of scales and diagrams. The book was published in Barcelona in 1823 and has survived to our days in great condition. It preserves all its pages and the original leather covers, as well as the beautiful inner marbled paper. The books title is Itinerario de Cataluña Adornado (Adorned Itinerary of Catalonia), written by D.F.C and printed by Domingo Feyner. It is a practical book that indicates the distance (in hours) between certain Catalonian places which were part of the most popular routes of those days. The first page of the book (fully printed in black and white) shows an indication that tells the user that this is a Very useful work for Impractical Servicemen and Travelling salesmen in the country. Then we can see a foldable and detailed map of catalonia, and then a Warning tells us that the book shows the hours in marching pace that separate one village from the other and some useful examples. The work also contains an index of the compiled distances (races). These distances are shown as scaled tables with the initial and final point of each itinerary and the main villages located between them. The cover of the book is made of hard cardboard covered in reddish-brown leather. It is quite well preserved, with sturdily sawn pages and no torn parts. The leather shows off the logical signs of the trace of time but it is in overall good condition, preserving the great charm that antique books usually display. The spine bears a red cartouche with the word ITINERARY in golden lettering and golden raised bands too. The marbled-papers that covers the pastdowns is gorgeous, with a nice combination of bright colors (blue, fuchsia, yellow, black, white or brown) that make contrast with the sobriety of the book itself. This antique book of distances in hours is an exclusive piece, original from the period and with undeniable charm. Measurements: Width: 5.9 in / 15 cm. Height: 3.9 in / 10 cm.