1835 Description of the Royal Capital City of Prague

Kubín, Václav. Popsánj král. hlawnjho města Prahy [Description of the Royal Capital City of Prague]. Prague, 1835. 12mo (15.5 × 9.5 cm). 260 pp. + Appendix pp. 263–345. With two lithographed plates (views of Prague) and a large folding plan of Prague and surroundings (Neynowegsj plan Prahy a wúkolj, 1835). Original printed wrappers with ornamental border. Good condition. Dusty wrappers worn and chipped along edges and spine; owner stamp on front wrapper and title page. Light browning throughout, heavier to preliminaries and final leaves. Plates crisp and well preserved; folding map with light stains. Rare early Czech-language topographical and patriotic description of Prague, issued during the Czech National Revival. Written in pre-standardized Czech orthography (e.g. hlawnjho for hlavního), the work is dedicated to “the esteemed and patriotic citizens of Prague.” Includes detailed descriptions of Prague’s quarters, monuments, and institutions. Illustrated with two lithographic views (Old Town Square; Malá Strana with the royal castle) and a finely executed folding map dated 1835, showing the city and its surroundings in detail. Inv. H1