The mention of ‘pop-up books’ often has one conjure up images of three-dimensional colourful pictures popping up out of children’s classics when opened.
A French book published nearly 105 years ago had used the technique to graphically explain mechanical and electrical concepts for students.
With over 2,500 illustrations hidden in layers, the book, which now needs careful handling, depicts complex concepts of machines through its movable layers.
‘Grande Encyclopedie Pratique-de Mecanique et d’Electricite’, which translates into a comprehensive guide to mechanical and electrical machinery in English, was authored by Henri Desarces, a French engineer.
The book belongs to Gayathree Krishna, a Chennai resident.
“My father, C.R.Narayanan, who was a mechanical engineer, bought the book in Puducherry that was a French colony in 1950s. I discovered it in our parental house in Puducherry recently and was fascinated that a pop-up book was published a century ago.”
She handed it over to historian K.R.A.Narasiah to be preserved for posterity.
Heritage value
Mr. Narasiah, who is also a mechanical engineer, said: “This book helps readers unravel the mysteries of machines that were relatively new then through its movable layers. Nearly 14 engineers assisted the author in publishing the book in 1913 in Paris.”
Mr. Narasiah said: “SS France, a ship that sailed a century ago, has been depicted intricately — from its exterior, cabin design, passenger spaces to boiler rooms to machinery spaces.
“There are a total of 25 plates in the book. Some of the other fascinating illustrations include an antique rotary dial telephone, Bleriot aircraft, steam turbine engine, motor cars, locomotive engine, balloon airship and submarine.
The book used different printing techniques, such as halftone, blueprints and chromolithographs, as early as 1913. A copy of the book was recently auctioned in London for $586 by Christie’s.
