History of Paris
im trying to find a book on the history of paris preferably 20th century or artistic/architecture..there seems to be a lot and i dont know which one is better
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A forum for discussing books travellers should read to understand the character of the destinations they visit.
These could be "travel literature" in the traditional sense, such as most of what Bill Bryson writes, or it could be all manner of other reading material, from history books to novels. (Not guidebooks.)
Please keep your reviews and recommendations to the appropriate thread. For example, if it is a book on Vietnam then comment in the Vietnam thread. If there isn't a thread for the country the book/s refer to, then start a new one.
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markbroadhead History books recommended by LP's Paris city guide:
Paris: The Secret History, Andrew Hussey (2006) – a book not unlike Peter Ackroyd’s London: The Biography, this colourful historical tour of Paris opens the door to (but does not solve) many of the city’s mysteries.
Paris Changing, Christopher Rauschenberg (2007) – modern-day photographer follows in the footsteps of early-20th-century snapper Eugène Atget in this ‘spot the difference’ album of before-and-after photos.
The Flâneur: A Stroll Through the Paradoxes of Paris, Edmund White (2001) – doyen of American literature and long-term resident (and flâneur – ‘stroller’) of Paris, White notices things rarely noticed by others – veritable footnotes of footnotes – in this loving portrait of his adopted city.
markbroadhead The Seven Ages of Paris: Portrait of a City, Alistair Horne (2002) – this superb, very idiosyncratic ‘biography’ of Paris divides the city’s history into seven ages – from the 13th-century reign of Philippe-Auguste to President Charles de Gaulle’s retirement in 1969.
Is Paris Burning? Larry Collins & Dominique Lapierre (1965) – this is a tense and very intelligent reportage of the last days of the Nazi occupation of Paris.
Paris: The Biography of a City, Colin Jones (2005) – although written by a University of Warwick professor, this one-volume history is not at all academic. Instead, it’s rather chatty, and goes into much detail on the physical remains of history as the author walks the reader through the centuries and the city.
Cross Channel, Julien Barnes (1997) – This is a witty collection of key moments in shared Anglo-French history – from Joan of Arc to a trip via Eurostar from London to Paris – by one of Britain’s most talented novelists.
katmar33 Down and out in Paris and London is a great and classic read. George Orwell's account of living on the streets / on the breadline in these two cities. Interesting historical account of poverty in these big cities, the comparisons and contrasts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_and_Out_in_Paris_and_London