Baedeker's: Don't Leave Home Without It

In 1827, Karl Baedeker started a publishing company in Germany.  Soon thereafter, he published the first of many of his iconic red-bound travel guides.  Baedeker did not invent the travel guide.  What set his guides apart was the accurate description and ratings of sites, architecture, maps, hotels, prices, and customs.  So influential were these guides, in 1942 the German Luftwaffe bombed Exeter, Bath, Norwich, York, and Canterbury in Great Britain in what came to be known as the Baedeker Blitz.  These towns were chosen because of their 3-star ratings in Baedeker's Guide to Great Britain.

Today, pre-World War I and II Baedeker's are highly collectible.  The Rare Book Room at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library holds many issues.  A selection can be viewed below.

Karnak, pp. 124-125, from Baedeker's Upper Egypt. 
Leipsic : K. Baedeker, 1892.  Call # DT45 .B17 1892



Map of Nile districts, from Baedeker's Upper Egypt. 
Leipsic : K. Baedeker, 1892.   Call # DT45 .B17 1892.



Baedeker's Central Italy.  Leipzig, K. Baedeker, 1900.  
Call # DG416 .B155 1900.



Map of the Vatican, from Baedeker's Central Italy. 
Leipzig, K. Baedeker, 1900.  Call # DG416 .B155 1900.



Customs for tourists in Italy, from Baedeker's Central Italy. 
Leipzig, K. Baedeker, 1900.  Call # DG416 .B155 1900.



Elevation of Roman Forum, from Baedeker's Central Italy. 
Leipzig, K. Baedeker, 1900.  Call # DG416 .B155 1900.

More images of Baedeker's can be viewed here.