This past August, I wrote a post on Exposition Universelle 1900. Since then, our library has acquired some new rare materials that are beautifully illustrated; they are available in the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts at the Eisenhower Library.
Two of these new acquisitions are particularly interesting. The first is a three volume set, L’Exposition de Paris (1900) publiée avec la collaboration d’écrivains spéciaux et des meilleurs artistes. This set provides a detailed account of the Paris Exposition of 1900. All the three volumes have numerous illustrations in black & white as well as in color. The exhibition was arranged in 121 categories and included exhibitors, side-shows, and displays. Two structures were specially built for this exhibition: the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. And the Pont Alexandre III, a new bridge, was constructed to connect the two buildings to the Esplanade des Invalides. Take a look at some of these beautiful illustrations!
Another item that deserves special mention is L’Architecture à l’Exposition Universelle de 1900. This serves as a good photographic record of the exhibition buildings as these plates depict the pavilions of the nations participating in the event – altogether 43 countries were represented. Want to learn more? Check out a selection of these images on this Flickr slideshow and stop by by the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts on A-Level of the library to see the real thing!