Baedeker Baedeker Verlag Karl Baedeker, founded by Karl Baedeker on July 1, 1827, is a German publisher and pioneer in the business of worldwide travel guides. The guides, often referred to simply as "Baedekers" (a term sometimes used to refer to similar works from other publishers, or travel guides in general), contain, among other things, maps and introductions; information about routes and travel facilities; and descriptions of noteworthy buildings, sights, attractions and museums, written by specialists. 1827−1859: Karl Baedeker (see article) had three sons, Ernst, Karl and Fritz and after his death each, in turn, dictated by events, took over the
Baedeker in English, the handbook on "The Rhine" (from Switzerland to Holland), a guide in German on Italy ("Ober-Italien"), the first of a series on Italy, which his father had planned and one in French, also on Italy ("Italie septentrionale"). Ernst Baedeker died unexpectedly on 23 July 1861 of sunstroke in Egypt and his younger brother, Karl, assumed charge of the publishing house. 1861−1877: Karl Baedeker II (1837−1911) continued the work started by his brother Ernst. In addition to the ongoing revision of existing guides, he published 14 new guides: four in German, seven in English and three in French. viz.