Publisher: J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag, Reutlingen, ca. 1890s. First German edition.
Zoologischer Garten (Movable Book). German edition of Le Jardin d’Acclimatation by A. Capendu. Large quarto (approx. 12.5 x 9.5 in. / 32 x 24 cm). Bound in later red half-cloth over chromolithographed pictorial boards depicting children riding an elephant and a cart drawn by an ostrich. Printed notation “J. Kocher” appears at the lower margin of each illustration; no publisher is explicitly named on the title page or elsewhere.
This rare and unusually well-preserved movable volume, published in Reutlingen by J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag, is the German edition of Le Jardin d’Acclimatation by A. Capendu. The German version was tailored for local audiences and is even more uncommon than the French original. Unlike many editions of the period that were distributed widely in France and England, Kocher’s German adaptation saw more limited regional circulation, making surviving copies especially rare today.
The volume contains all four original peep shows, each consisting of intricately die-cut layers operated by red silk ribbons. Scenes depict children observing lions, monkeys, an aviary, and an aquarium. The construction is elaborate and fragile, yet all components remain present and functional. Each peep show is mounted into the original boards and lifts up in theatrical style when the ribbon is pulled.
Condition: Very Good. This exceptionally rare and complete volume includes all four original peep shows, with all parts fully intact and original—nothing missing. The delicate construction of these early movable books makes surviving copies in this condition extraordinarily scarce. Notably, the “glass” front of the aquarium scene, which is highly prone to damage, remains present and intact; while it has developed some cloudiness with age, it is free from tears. An original ostrich head has been carefully reattached, with no other repairs evident throughout.
Each peep show is operated using its original red silk ribbons, which remain fully functional, smoothly lifting each scene as intended. All original struts that elevate the scenes are present and in excellent condition, with only a minor repair needed on one strut—the left side of one scene in the foreground (as illustrated in the accompanying photograph).
The volume retains its original binding, which, though showing signs of fraying and delicacy in certain areas, is still sound. The fact that it remains in its original bound state is significant, confirming the completeness of all four scenes; there are no indications that additional scenes were ever included. Such intact bindings are exceedingly rare for a work of this size and complexity, where parts were often damaged over time.
Overall, this is an exceptional and exceedingly well-preserved example of an unrecorded and scarce publication. It stands out as a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of early movable books, given its completeness, originality, and condition.
Scene Descriptions:
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Der große Vogelkäfig (The Great Birdcage):
A bustling aviary filled with a diverse array of birds. In the foreground, an ostrich stands prominently among colorful parrots, peacocks, and smaller birds. Ivy climbs along the aviary frame, and two young girls observe the birds from the right.
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Die Löwen (The Lions):
A powerful male lion roars while a lioness and cubs rest nearby. The enclosure is framed with vertical bars, viewed by two children standing close. The background shows sparse vegetation and stone walls.
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Die Affen (The Monkeys):
Several monkeys swing and interact inside their enclosure. A portly zookeeper in a formal coat gestures as if feeding the animals. Background figures suggest the presence of visiting children.
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Das Aquarium (The Aquarium):
A complex layered diorama viewed through a semi-transparent “glass” (cellophane) sheet. A diver in a vintage suit explores among fish, coral, seaweed, and an octopus. Fish include a brightly colored foreground specimen, a barracuda-like swimmer, and orange-finned and greenish marine species, set against a full aquatic backdrop.
Collector’s Corner:
Kocher's Kunstverlag issued this German-language edition of Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, titled Zoologischer Garten, using adapted French content for German-speaking audiences. The Parisian original referenced the famous Jardin d’Acclimatation zoological park, but Kocher’s version localized the text while preserving the theatrical, movable visual format.
Each pop-up diorama uses layered chromolithography and functioning ribbon mechanics to simulate early three-dimensional scenes, much like a paper peepshow or toy theater. The survival of all four scenes in functional condition, especially with intact aquarium cellophane and original binding, is extraordinarily rare. The completeness of the volume supports that no additional scenes were issued in this edition.
About the Publisher:
Johann Kocher (1843–1900) was a notable bookseller and publisher in Reutlingen, Germany. In June 1871, he established a bookshop bearing his name — J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag — which he managed until his passing on March 20, 1900, at the age of 57. His dedication to his profession elevated his bookstore to a position of high respect within the community. Beyond his role as a bookseller, Kocher was also an artistic publisher. He published from his bookshop as early as 1884, most famous for producing undivided-back postcards featuring drawings accompanied by poetry, often illustrated by R. De Witt. Kocher was known for producing and publishing illustrated books, postcards, and prints, often collaborating with artists and illustrators of the time.
The March 24, 1900 edition of the Börsenblatt states that:
"On March 20, after a short illness, Johannes Kocher of Reutlingen passed away at the age of 57. He was the proprietor of the bookshop bearing his name, which he had established in June 1871. Through his dedicated work in the profession, he elevated his business to a highly respected position."
Note that German graphic artist Karl Langenbacher held his first exhibition at Kocher’s bookstore in 1929, indicating that the bookstore continued to serve as a cultural hub in Reutlingen after Johann Kocher's death.
References:
Undivided Back Postcard Directory. “Directory K.” undividedbackpostcard.com.
Börsenblatt des Deutschen Buchhandels. Obituary for Johannes Kocher, March 24, 1900. SLUB Dresden Digital Collections.
Reutlinger Geschichtsblätter. “Artistic and Cultural Contributions of J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag.” Reutlingen Historical Society Archives, 1929.
Lichtenstein Plays Official Postcards (1901–1903). Historical Overview, Lichtenstein-Archiv.de.
Deutsches Literaturarchiv. “The Role of J. Kocher’s Kunstverlag in Early 20th Century Publishing.” dla-marbach.de.
Deutsches Literaturarchiv. “The Influence of Regional Publishers on Early 20th Century German Culture.” dla-marbach.de.