Notice historique et biographique de la ville de Braine-le-Comte / par A. Parent 1868

Here we see the title page of ‘Notice historique et biographique de la ville de Braine-le-Comte’ printed in 1868. It was written by A. Parent, a former professor at the Royal College of Thuin, and published in Braine-le-Comte, Belgium. The book’s cover page is a fascinating artifact of 19th-century local historical writing. It presents itself as an objective account, yet we must remember that such local histories often served to reinforce regional identities and bolster local pride during a period of nation-building and centralization. The typography and layout reflect the conventions of the time, while the seal of the city subtly asserts the authority and endorsement of local institutions. The book was produced during a period of significant social and political change, and its content likely reflects contemporary debates about local versus national identity. To truly understand its place, one would need to delve into local archives, examine other publications of the era, and explore the biography of A. Parent himself, revealing the complex web of social, cultural, and institutional forces that shaped its creation.