The France A Chateau on the Atlantic French Line Compagnie Generale Transatlantique [S.S. France Ocean Liner Brochure]

(New York): Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, 1926. First Thus. Printed Wrappers, Stapled. Very Good. Although undated, we've posited 1926 as publication date based on the style of the cover and photographs. 8vo (measures 6 x 9.25 inches). Unpaginated [24 pp.] Promotional brochure intended for American travelers. Frontis. illustration. Substantially illustrated with black-and-white photography, mostly interior shots, along with a couple exterior views featuring passengers strolling on decks. Borders of photos are enhanced with line drawings. Bound in folded blue stock with three-color design printed on the front cover. Saddle-stapled, with staples oxidized at the centerfold with slight migration of rust. A well preserved copy. A superb brochure for one of the fabled ocean liners of the Jazz Age, the S.S. France of the French Line fleet operated by Compagnie Generale Transatlantique. She entered into service the week following the sinking of the Titanic. Following WWI, the France was "Weekly Express Service" between New York and England or France. Published in New York for discriminating Yank travelers, many of whom enjoyed transatlantic travel as an escape from Prohibition constricts, and indeed showed a club-like allegiance to The France.

In somewhat breathless prose ("she isn't as big as the biggest, but neither is the Ritz ... In speed she is one of the fastest liners on the Atlantic - and one of the most luxurious"), the swanky attributes of the ship are extolled, as well as the refined company one would keep among fellow passengers. Photos promote first class cabins, staterooms and suites, the grand salon, dining salon, smoking room, children's playroom, gymnasium and deck activity, including a tennis match. The cover is an exquisite exercise in restrained French styling, presenting an art-deco porthole vignette of the ship's red funnels. A charming publication, quite scarce: No copies were located by OCLC. Now housed in a removable, clear archival sleeve with an acid-free backing.

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