Publisher: A. Capendu, Paris, ca. 1884. First edition.
Grand théâtre en Actions – Complete Set of All 4 Separate Pop-Up Peepshow Scenes (Movable Book).
Four folio diorama sheets, each approximately 30 × 26 cm (12 × 10 in.), mounted on thick board. Each scene features a layered chromolithographic theatrical tableau composed of three intricately die-cut layers and a scenic backdrop, operated by an original red ribbon pull-tab. French text caption printed below each image. Original publisher’s blue paper hinge tabs present on all four scenes.
Grand théâtre en Actions, published in Paris by A. Capendu around 1884, represents the rare French-language edition of a theatrical pop-up series originally produced in Germany. Offered here is the exceedingly scarce complete set of four separate titles, each preserved in its original format: mounted board, intact red ribbon pull-tab, and four-layer pop-up diorama construction. Each diorama is issued as a standalone sheet and has not been rebound—this separate-sheet format is the version most sought after by collectors and bibliographers.
Each diorama features detailed chromolithographic artwork designed to create the illusion of theatrical depth, in the manner of a toy theatre or peepshow. These separately issued scenes reflect the early European movable format of the 1880s, in which the viewer pulls a ribbon to reveal a multi-layered theatrical world.
Condition:
Very Good to Good overall. All four scenes are complete and retain their original red ribbon pulls and publisher’s blue hinge tabs. All mechanisms are fully functional and scenes remain securely mounted to the original boards. Boards are clean and well-preserved.
Pauvre Robinson (Robinson Crusoe): Very Good. All original parts intact. Pop-up layers functional with no restoration.
Un chat comme on en voit peu (Puss in Boots): Good. Upper section of the first layer has been partially restored; otherwise complete and working.
Trop parler nuit (Little Red Riding Hood): Very Good. Complete with all layers and original blue tabs. Functions smoothly.
Réveillez-vous belle endormie (Sleeping Beauty): Good. Loss to the top of first layer; still fully functional. Blue tabs intact.
An excellent survival in the scarce original separate-sheet format.
Collector’s Corner:
The French scenes are part of a broader international series first published in Germany as Theater-Bilderbuch by Gustav Loewensohn of Fürth. Around 1883, Loewensohn produced the original theatrical dioramas using chromolithography and collaborated with publishers across Europe. The same four scenes were translated and issued in multiple languages:
German and English titles (Theater-Bilderbuch and Theatrical Picture Book):
Der arme Robinson – Robinson Crusoe
Der gestiefelte Kater – Puss in Boots
Rothkäppchen – Little Red Riding Hood
Dornröschen – Sleeping Beauty
The English editions, issued around 1883, were often exported and lack printed publication data. They are noted in both Russell’s Bibliography (1881, Vol. 4; 1894, Vol. 16) and are attributed to Löwensohn.
In response to an inquiry by movable book historian Ann Montanaro, the late Theo Gielen—an esteemed researcher in the field of interactive and movable books—provided a definitive account of the origins and structure of Poor Robinson. His findings were published in Movable Stationery, Vol. 15, No. 3 (August 2007). Gielen identified Poor Robinson as one of four theatrical diorama scenes originally published circa 1883 under the collective title Theatrical Picture Book. Though the English versions carry no imprint, he attributed the printing to Gustav Loewensohn of Fürth, Germany, a firm known for its chromolithographic production of movable books and its collaborations with publishers like Raphael Tuck.
According to Gielen, the scenes were issued in two primary formats:
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As a single concertina-style book binding, with all four dioramas presented side-by-side when unfolded
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Separately, as individually sold card-covered double spreads—a format likely intended to broaden commercial appeal and maximize profits
Gielen confirmed the publication date as 1883 and emphasized the multilingual nature of the series. The same theatrical scenes appeared in German (Theater-Bilderbuch), French (Grand théâtre en Actions, published by A. Capendu of Paris), and in anonymous English editions. In the French version, Capendu even reused the printed book cover board on the reverse of one of the individual scenes.
Gielen’s scholarship remains the most comprehensive documentation of this series. He clarified that individually published scenes like the English Poor Robinson—which had previously confounded collectors—were indeed part of a larger coordinated series, and are now considered exceedingly rare.
Related Editions: A New Children’s Theatre by Birn Brothers (London)
A second English-language edition of theatrical diorama books appears to have been published by Birn Brothers of London in the 1880s under the title A New Children’s Theatre. Issued from their address at 12 Milton Street, E.C., this version contains four different scenes:
The Queen’s Birthday
Punch & Bunny
Thanksgiving in Memphis
The Grand Circus
Each pop-up measured approximately 32 × 26 cm and opened to reveal elaborate, layered stage sets. Although distinct from the Theatrical Picture Book series, the Birn Brothers’ edition shares a remarkably similar theatrical format, suggesting either inspiration from or concurrent development with Loewensohn’s dioramas.
About Birn Brothers:
Birn Brothers Ltd. was a prolific London-based publisher and printer known for greeting cards, children’s novelties, Christmas items, and visual ephemera. Founded by brothers J. and S. Birn, the company was headquartered at 135 London Wall and later at 67–70 Bunhill Row. Birn Brothers maintained an international presence with a Fifth Avenue showroom in New York, serving both British and American markets.
References:
Gielen, Theo. “Poor Robinson and Theatrical Picture Books.” Movable Stationery 15, no. 3 (August 2007): 1–4.
Russell, A. Bibliography of English Pop-Up Books, Vol. 4 (1881); Vol. 16 (1894).
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bulletin, May 1971.
David Brass Rare Books, Inventory #05548.
WorthPoint auction archive: Antique Victorian Pop Book – A New Children’s Theatre, accessed 2024.