Karl Baedeker

Karl Baedeker (not Baedecker) (3 November, 1801 – 4 October, 1859) was a publisher whose company set the standard for authoritative guidebooks for tourists. Such a book is often referred to as "a Baedeker", and sometimes the term is used about similar works from other publishers. They contain important introductions, descriptions of buildings, of museum collections, etc., written by the best specialists, and are frequently revised in order to be up to date. For the convenience of travellers, they are in a handy format and in small print.

The Baedeker Company

The Baedeker company relocated in 1872 to Leipzig under his third son Fritz, who took over control of the company following the death and disablement of his older brothers. With the widespread advent of mechanical transportation, it was Fritz who managed an explosive growth in the line of travel guides, also producing international guides.

Related Topics:
1872 - Leipzig

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In World War II, Germany launched a series of revenge attacks against English cities featured in the Baedeker Guide to Britain, known as the Baedeker raids.

Related Topics:
World War II - Germany - English - Baedeker raids

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The Baedeker company's premises and files perished in a December 1943 air raid, but Baedeker's great grandson revived it, restarting, in 1948, publication of tourist guides. Until today, the Baedeker Family is known to be one of great travellers around the world.

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