Roses and Thorns of Paris and London: A Historic and Descriptive Review of the Virtues and Vices of the Two Greatest Cities of the Earth

New York: s.n., 1900. Hardcover. Very Good +. 518 p.: many full-page and in-text illustrations; 27 cm. Publisher's grey cloth with gilt spine and cover titles; black and red spine and cover illustrations. Title page printed in red and black. No publication information other than the place. Copyright 1900 by C.R. Graham. Advice for Americans travelling to Paris and London by someone who thought they should really stay in the United States. "It is an undeniable fact that Europeans do not know how to live; they have no idea of luxuries, and very little of comforts." [p. 47] The anonymous author emphasizes the scandalous aspects of life in Paris as much as possible (the can-can "consists of high kicking and lascivious posturing by depraved women."). Contains amusing descriptions of restaurants, cafes, and theaters; parks, monuments, cemeteries, and catacombs; cultural and educational institutions; horse races and festivals; and street life with the types of people to be seen: students, artists' models, vendors, socialists, anarchists, gamblers, and criminals. In general, the section on Paris presents the fascinating and slightly scandalous world first dramatised for the world in Puccini's La Bohème. The section on London emphasizes the city's history and architecture. A heavy book; for international shipping, it will have to be sent by priority international. In Very Good+ Condition: ends of spine slightly rubbed; cover is lightly soiled; slightly shaken; pages are clean and bright.