THE LATE DR. FRITZ BAEDEKER [To the Editor of the
SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Dr. Fritz Baedeker, who died on April 9th, in his eighty-first year, had been the head of the well-known- guide- book firm for about forty years. The Baedekers, in true German fashion, have been booksellers and publishers for nearly three hundred years. Their first guidebook was issued by Karl Baedeker, of Coblenz, father of Fritz, about 1830— Die Rheinreise. Of this I possess the unassuming little second edition of 1839. The Schweiz followed in 1844. The new head of the firm is Fritz's son Hans, who will have the co-operation of one at least of his brothers. Karl the second, elder brother of Fritz, had to retire from business owing to the effects of a sunstroke received when preparing his Guide to Egypt. Karl the third, a son of Fritz, became a teacher at one of the smaller German Universities and lost his life in the War.
From 1878 till the outbreak of the War in 1914 I was associated with Fritz Baedeker in the preparation of -his English editions, spending several years in Leipzig, to which the business had been removed from Coblenz in 1872. During the whole of this period our relations were of the most cordial nature. He was an enthusiast in his work, and was as much an author as a publisher, esteeming the reputation of his books for honesty and accuracy as at least as high a reward as the moderate wealth they brought in. 1 don't know that lie was ever more pleased than when the Times called him " The Prince of Guidebook Makers." This attitude made him a delightful person to work with. One could be sure of never being called on to act from any sordid motive. His generosity and consideration were unfailing. his confidence, once earned, was given wholly and ungrudgingly.
The War brought about an abrupt and automatic severance of our relations ; but as soon as it was over his letters showed that he was still alive to the claims of our old friendship. The circumstances forced my brother Findlay (Editor and Managing Director of the Blue Guides) and myself into business competition with Baedeker ; but this wa's simply a regrettable necessity, which did not involve any loss of personal esteem and affection.
On the whole I feel I can say truly that on my path through life I have met no one whom I am disposed to criticize less or praise more.—I am, Sir, &e.,
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