Karl Baedeker 'father of modern tourism'. In 1846, Baedeker introduced his famous 'star' ratings (for sights, attractions and lodgings) in the third edition of his "Handbuch für Reisende durch Deutschland und den Oesterreichischen Kaiserstaat" - an idea based on the Murray guides star system. This edition was also his first 'experimental' red guide. He also decided to call his travel guides 'handbooks', following the example of John Murray III. Baedeker's early guides had tan covers, but from 1856 onwards, Murray's red bindings and gilt lettering became the familiar hallmark of all Baedeker guides as well, and the content became famous for its
Karl Baedeker of the House of Baedeker invariably recount anecdotes about its founder and these are not without substance. He was renowned for his hard and careful work, his high standards, both personal and professional, and for being absolutely incorruptible. Baedeker generally went around conducting his research incognito. In an article entitled "The Baedeker Guide Books" published in the November 1989 issue (68) of the now defunct "Book and Magazine Collector", Michael Wild, the Baedeker historian and author of "Baedekeriana: An Anthology" wrote: On September 22, 1975, The New Yorker magazine ran a 38-page profile of the "House of Baedeker". Its author,