Let's be clear from the start: this is not a storybook. 'Projet pour la compagnie des transports, postes et messageries' is exactly what its title promises—a 'Project' or business proposal. Published anonymously in Paris in 1780, it lays out a plan to create a single, powerful company that would handle all mail, passenger transport, and freight delivery across France. It reads like a cross between an investor pitch and a government white paper, full of schedules, proposed routes, and financial calculations.

The Story

There's no plot in the traditional sense. Instead, the 'story' is the argument the anonymous author builds. They start by describing the chaotic, inefficient state of travel and mail in late 1700s France—a patchwork of private carriers and slow, unreliable services. Then, they introduce their hero: the 'Company.' The proposal meticulously details how this monopoly would work. It lists specific coach routes and timetables (like a Paris-to-Lyon service taking only 5 days!). It explains how to streamline package handling and sets proposed rates. The author argues that centralizing everything under one well-run corporation would be faster, safer, and more profitable for everyone, from merchants to ordinary citizens. The narrative is one of pure, rational organization triumphing over mess.

Why You Should Read It

You might think this sounds dry, but that's where the magic is. Reading this feels like eavesdropping on the 18th-century mind. The author's obsession with order, precision, and progress is fascinating. You see the early blueprints for concepts we take for granted: standardized schedules, networked routes, and the idea that infrastructure is key to a nation's growth. The most compelling part is the human voice that comes through. Beneath the formal language, you sense someone's passion and frustration. They truly believe their plan can transform daily life. It’s a powerful reminder that people in the past weren't just living in 'the olden days'—they were actively designing the future they wanted.

Final Verdict

This book is a niche treasure. It's perfect for history buffs, especially those interested in economics, technology, or everyday life before the French Revolution. It's also great for anyone who loves primary sources and the thrill of historical detective work, piecing together clues about the anonymous writer. If you enjoy unconventional reads that offer a direct window into another era's ambitions, you'll find this short proposal surprisingly gripping. Just don't go in expecting a swashbuckling adventure—the adventure here is all in the ideas.