Grand Steeple-Chase au Gabon (Afrique) ( Movable tab plus Panorama Book)
Publisher: A. Capendu, Éditeurs, Paris
Date: ca. 1890
Format: Pull‑tab fold‑out panorama, 4 moveable scenes
Size: Oblong quarto (approx. 8 × 10 in., opens to approx. 8 × 40 in.)
Pages: 4 panorama panels (stand‑up format)

This exceptionally rare title features a vibrant, pull‑tab fold‑out panorama comprising four animated scenes. Each sectional panel springs to life when opened, forming a three‑dimensional tableau with working movable parts—a notable example of 19th‑century European paper engineering.

Provenance & Cross‑Edition Reference:
This is the French edition of the work known in German as Wettrennen in Kamerun, published in Esslingen by J. F. Schreiber in 1890. Both versions feature illustrations by Gottfried Sieben (a.k.a. “Archibald Smith”), an accomplished Austrian artist trained at the Vienna Academy, whose satirical style permeates the imagery.

Cultural Content Notice:
Uniquely among early movable books, this title depicts an African‑themed horse race. However, it reflects the colonial mindset of its era, containing caricatured and stereotypical representations of African individuals and satirical misuses of Western dress (such as coats worn backwards). While historically significant, these illustrations may be offensive to modern viewers.

Condition:
This copy is in superior condition, with all fold‑out panels intact and fully functional. The vivid chromolithography remains bright and clean. Binding is sound and well preserved, with no tears, losses, or repairs.

Collector’s Corner:

Grand Steeple-Chase Au Gabon (Afrique) is an exceptionally rare 19th-century French movable book published by A. Capendu in Paris. Designed as a humorous pull-tab panorama, it unfolds into four three-dimensional scenes, using sliding and stand-up mechanisms to depict an imagined horse race in Gabon. The book is a French counterpart to the German edition Wettrennen in Kamerun, published in 1890 by J. F. Schreiber of Esslingen.

Both editions were illustrated by Gottfried Sieben (1856–1918), an Austrian artist trained at the Royal Academy of Vienna. Sieben, who sometimes signed as Archibald Smith, was a prolific illustrator known for his work in satire (Der Floh, Wiener Caricaturen), children's books, and later in limited-edition art and erotica. His background in caricature and political commentary is evident in the highly expressive, detailed lithographs featured in this book.

While the mechanical artistry of the book is remarkable—with vibrant chromolithographs and working pull-tabs—modern readers will find the content deeply problematic. The illustrations rely on exaggerated stereotypes and reflect colonial-era European attitudes toward African cultures. Figures are depicted with caricatured features, often misusing or parodying European dress and customs. This form of representation was common in popular media of the time and should be viewed today as part of a broader history of racial caricature and imperial spectacle.

Despite the discomfort its content may evoke, the book offers significant value as a historical artifact—illustrating how movable books were used not only for storytelling and play but also as a medium for reinforcing colonial worldviews. Its scarcity further heightens its collector appeal: no institutional copies appear in major library catalogs, and no other complete examples are currently documented in the antiquarian market.