L'Illustration is considered the first illustrated magazine in France and the preeminent magazine after 1905. L'Illustration was noteworthy for its early adoption of photographic reportage, include photos by Nadar. This edition, Number 3261, was published August 26, 1905, when the weekly "Journal Universel" was in its 63rd year of publication in Paris. 

It contains a fascinating look at what the Parisians of that period were learning about the world, including a major article on the various ethnic groups in Russia, prior to the first national assembly, photographed by the Geographic Society.

The journal also gives a look into the advertising and culture of the day.