Europe With Baedeker

What a joy was Shirley Marks’ essay on Baedeker and his little red guidebooks (Sept. 7). I too have often traveled with my “Handbook for Travellers” in hand. Though most travelers today would think his directions and descriptions quaint and out of date, the research, accuracy and volume are impressive.

My 1901 edition of “Great Britain” is slightly older than Shirley’s and originally was the property of Helen Kellog of Madison, Wis.; she purchased it on June 2, 1902, of Charles Li (illegible) at 18 Rue de Richelieu, Pres du Theatre Francais in Paris. If Helen reads this I hope she will tell me how much she paid for it. It has a faint price mark penciled in, $2.50. Was that what she paid in 1902 or what I paid later on?

The first Baedeker I acquired was “Greece” and, like the other Helen, I bought it in Paris. In June of this year my husband and I used the newly issued “Baedeker for Greece,” but while adequate, it does not have the recognizable familiarity and convenience of the old compact 4x6-inch style. The new ones measure 5 1/2x10 inches and are printed in brilliant color. Not the same at all.

HELEN BORDERS

Laguna Hills