"Le livre commode des adresses de Paris pour 1692, tome 1/2" by Monsieur de Blégny is a historical guidebook written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a compendium of addresses within Paris, providing essential information for locals and travelers alike. Its purpose appears to be to facilitate navigation and access to various services, highlighting the importance of organized information in urban life. At the start of this guide, the author discusses the longstanding tradition of providing guides in great cities, referencing historical precedents from ancient times up to the Middle Ages. The introduction emphasizes the role of guides, known as "proxenetae", in assisting visitors by directing them to important sites and individuals. The author positions the book within a lineage of evolving assistive literature, hinting at his intention to create a modern resource for the bustling urban environment of 17th-century Paris that remains relevant in the face of increasing complexity in societal interactions and commerce. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
