Les français peints par eux-mêmes, tome 1

"Les français peints par eux-mêmes, tome 1" by L. Curmer is an encyclopedic collection published between 1840 and 1842. This ambitious work surveys French society through portraits of different social types, from Parisian shopkeepers to provincial inhabitants. Combining satirical and historical perspectives, renowned writers like Honoré de Balzac and illustrators like Honoré Daumier collaborated to create detailed character studies. Drawing on contemporary scientific theories about human behavior and environment, the collection aims to capture French society in comprehensive detail for future generations.