Les français peints par eux-mêmes, tome 1 by L. Curmer

(4 User reviews)   2365
By Charlotte Girard Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Philosophy
French
Ever wonder what it was really like to walk the streets of 19th-century Paris? Forget the grand history books. 'Les français peints par eux-mêmes' is like a secret time capsule. It's not a single story, but a wild collection of sketches, essays, and illustrations by the people living it. They're drawing and writing about everyone from the grumpy concierge to the fashionable flâneur strolling the boulevards. It’s a massive, collaborative self-portrait of a nation in the middle of huge change. Think of it as the original, paper-and-ink Instagram feed of 1840s France, full of gossip, satire, and surprising honesty. It’s chaotic, fascinating, and feels incredibly alive.
Share

Read "Les français peints par eux-mêmes, tome 1 by L. Curmer" Online

This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.

START READING FULL BOOK
Instant Access    Mobile Friendly

Book Preview

A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.

First Section. The Freedom of Science and its Philosophical Basis. Chapter I. Science And Freedom. Chapter II. Two Views Of The World And Their Freedom. Chapter III. Subjectivism And Its Freedom. Second Section. Freedom of Research and Faith. Chapter I. Research And Faith In General. Chapter II. The Authority Of Faith And The Free Exercise Of Research. Chapter III. Unprepossession Of Research. Chapter IV. Accusations And Objections. Chapter V. The Witnesses of the Incompatibility Of Science And Faith. Third Section. The Liberal Freedom of Research. Chapter I. Free From The Yoke Of The Supernatural. Chapter II. The Unscientific Method. Chapter III. The Bitter Fruit. Fourth Section. Freedom of Teaching. Chapter I. Freedom Of Teaching And Ethics. Chapter II. Freedom Of Teaching And The State. Fifth Section. Theology. Chapter I. Theology And Science. Chapter II. Theology And University. Index. Footnotes IMPRIMATUR. Nihil Obstat REMIGIUS LAFORT, D.D. _Censor_ Imprimatur JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY _Archbishop of New York_ NEW YORK, January 22, 1914. COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY JOSEPH F. WAGNER, NEW YORK AUTHOR’S PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. The present work has already secured many friends in German Europe. An invitation has now been extended for its reception among the English-speaking countries, with the object that there, too, it may seek readers and friends, and communicate to them its thoughts—the ideas it has to convey and to interpret. While wishing it heartfelt success and good fortune on its journey, the Author desires it to convey his greetings to its new readers. This book has issued from the throes of dissension and strife, seeing the light at a time when, in Austria and Germany, the bitter forces of opposition, that range themselves about the shibboleth _Freedom of Science_, were seen engaging in a combat of fiercer intensity than ever. Yet, notwithstanding, this Child of Strife has learned the language of Peace only. It speaks the language of an impartial objectivity which endeavours, in a spirit of unimpassioned, though earnest, calm, to range itself over the burning questions of the day—over those great _Weltanschauung_ questions, that stand in such close relation with the compendious motto: _Freedom of Science_. Yes, _Freedom_ and _Science_ serve, in our age and on both sides of the Atlantic, as trumpet-calls, to summon together—often indeed to pit in deadly combat—the rival forces of opposition. They are catch-words that tend to hold at fever-pitch the intellectual life of modern civilization—agents as they are of such mighty and far-reaching influences. On the one hand, Science, whence the moving and leading ideas of the time take shape and form to go forth in turn and subject to their sway the intellect of man; on the other, Freedom—that Freedom of sovereign emancipation, that Christian Freedom of well-ordered self-development, which determine the actions, the strivings of the human spirit, even as they control imperceptibly the march of Science. While the present volume is connected with this chain of profound problems, it becomes, of itself, a representation of the intellectual life of our day, with its far-reaching philosophical questions, its forces of struggle and opposition, its dangers, and deep-seated evils. The Author has a lively recollection of an expression which he heard a few years ago, in a conversation with an American professor, then journeying in Europe. “Here, they talk of tolerance,” he observed, “while in America we put it into practice.” The catch-word _Freedom of Science_ will not, therefore, in _every_ quarter of the world, serve as a call to arms, causing the opposing columns to engage in mutual conflict, as is the case in many portions of Europe. But certain it is that everywhere alike—in the new...

This is a limited preview. Download the book to read the full content.

Okay, let's clear this up first: this isn't a novel with a plot. 'Les français peints par eux-mêmes' (The French Painted by Themselves) is something much more interesting. Published in the 1840s, it's a huge, ambitious project—a kind of literary and artistic census. The editor, Léon Curmer, gathered a whole crew of writers and artists (some famous, some not) with one mission: to document every type of person you'd meet in French society.

The Story

There is no central character. Instead, each chapter focuses on a 'type.' You get a detailed, often funny, and sometimes critical portrait of the shopkeeper, the lawyer, the old maid, the soldier, and dozens more. It's part essay, part character study, and it's all brought to life by hundreds of incredibly detailed engravings. You don't read it cover-to-cover like a story; you dip in and out, meeting a new slice of life on every page.

Why You Should Read It

This book is magic because it lets regular people from the past speak for themselves. History is often about kings and battles, but this is about the smell of a bakery, the gossip in a café, and the weariness in a factory worker's eyes. The writers aren't always kind—there's plenty of satire and judgment—but that makes it feel real. You're not getting a polished, romantic version of Paris; you're getting the noisy, messy, vibrant reality. The illustrations alone are worth the price of admission.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history lovers who are tired of dry facts, for art fans obsessed with detail, and for anyone who loves people-watching. If you enjoy books that feel like wandering through a museum where the exhibits talk back, this is your next read. It’s a slow, immersive experience, not a page-turner, but you’ll come away feeling like you just had coffee with 1840s France.



🏛️ Copyright Status

This content is free to share and distribute. You can copy, modify, and distribute it freely.

Joshua Scott
1 year ago

I was skeptical at first, but the arguments are well-supported by credible references. Thanks for sharing this review.

Lucas Miller
10 months ago

Fast paced, good book.

Kimberly Thompson
1 year ago

Honestly, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. A valuable addition to my collection.

Paul King
10 months ago

Simply put, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. Exceeded all my expectations.

5
5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

Add a Review

Your Rating *
There are no comments for this eBook.
You must log in to post a comment.
Log in


Related eBooks