Paris Reading Suggestions (not guidebook)
Mar 13th, 2011 | 08:33 PM
#22
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
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OH Vttraveler, <i>Book of Salt</i> was *amazing*! I guess I wasn't thinking of it in the OP's context, but wow an incredible first novel by Monique Truong. 1920's Paris from the perspective of Gertrude Stein's fictitious cook!
Mar 14th, 2011 | 05:29 AM
#23
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,553
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Someone has already mentioned it above but I re-read 'Is Paris Burning?' recently after having read it over 30 years ago. Still an interesting page turner... even though you know how it turns out in the end.
You might find "Napoleon III and his Carnival Empire" by John Bierman interesting. Then go visit the Napoleon III apartments in the Louvre.
You might find "Napoleon III and his Carnival Empire" by John Bierman interesting. Then go visit the Napoleon III apartments in the Louvre.
Mar 14th, 2011 | 06:39 AM
#24
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,629
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gwan,
I've read both the Graham Robb books and liked them very much . "Parisians" was a bit easier to read as each chapter is stand-alone. Loved how you see different places or parts of Paris through the eyes of historic figures. I found some of the 20th and 21st century chapters the most interesting, particularly the student riots of '68.
Will be interested in your opinion.
I've read both the Graham Robb books and liked them very much . "Parisians" was a bit easier to read as each chapter is stand-alone. Loved how you see different places or parts of Paris through the eyes of historic figures. I found some of the 20th and 21st century chapters the most interesting, particularly the student riots of '68.
Will be interested in your opinion.
Mar 15th, 2011 | 08:17 AM
#26
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 246
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I always consult Longitude books. You can search by country, they give you both fiction and non-fiction choices relevant to the country you are searching.
http://www.longitudebooks.com/
http://www.longitudebooks.com/
Mar 15th, 2011 | 08:30 AM
#27
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,270
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Another vote for Graham Robb's "Parisians", though it's an unpredictable collection of individuals to choose, especially for the more modern period.
A fairly hefty (but very readable) tome on the social history of Paris is Andre Hussey's "Secret Life of Paris"; and a (short) collection of off-beat reflections, which may inspire some walks, is Edmund White's "The Flaneur".
And I <i>adored</i> Sarah Bakewell on Montaigne (do read her book anyway). Most of his professional life and writing was done in the south west, but there is a statue to him behind the Cluny Museum, with one shiny polished toecap where students on their way into exams have traditionally rubbed it for luck:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricklondon/2760234626/
A fairly hefty (but very readable) tome on the social history of Paris is Andre Hussey's "Secret Life of Paris"; and a (short) collection of off-beat reflections, which may inspire some walks, is Edmund White's "The Flaneur".
And I <i>adored</i> Sarah Bakewell on Montaigne (do read her book anyway). Most of his professional life and writing was done in the south west, but there is a statue to him behind the Cluny Museum, with one shiny polished toecap where students on their way into exams have traditionally rubbed it for luck:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricklondon/2760234626/
Apr 9th, 2012 | 08:53 PM
#30
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
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Eric Hazan's <i>The Invention of Paris; A History in Footsteps</i>
<i>Paris; Memories of Times Past</i> - Solange Hando and others, with 75 paintings by Mortimer Menpes
Martina Padberg <i>Art and Architecture Paris</i>
Jane Paech <i>A Family in Paris</i>
<i>Paris; A Guide to the City's Creative Heart</i>, by Janelle McCulloch
Ian Thompson's <i>The Sun King's Garden; Louis XIV, Andre Le Notre and the Creation of the Gardens of Versailles</i>
<i>Paris; Memories of Times Past</i> - Solange Hando and others, with 75 paintings by Mortimer Menpes
Martina Padberg <i>Art and Architecture Paris</i>
Jane Paech <i>A Family in Paris</i>
<i>Paris; A Guide to the City's Creative Heart</i>, by Janelle McCulloch
Ian Thompson's <i>The Sun King's Garden; Louis XIV, Andre Le Notre and the Creation of the Gardens of Versailles</i>
May 31st, 2014 | 03:25 AM
#31
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
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May 31st, 2014 | 07:23 AM
#33
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
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I just read The perfume collector by Kathleen Tessaro and loved it. It is set during the occupation of Paris and was very interesting.
Bonjour 40 a Paris Travel log/ Karen Chase is very entertaining
Paris my sweet by Amy Thomas is a guide to all things yummy to eat
Paris was ours by Penelope Rowlands/32 writers reflect on Paris
I am going through my kindle. Many more and Movable feast and Paris wife are both great but my favorite is
Waiting for Gertrude/ Bill Richardson
Bonjour 40 a Paris Travel log/ Karen Chase is very entertaining
Paris my sweet by Amy Thomas is a guide to all things yummy to eat
Paris was ours by Penelope Rowlands/32 writers reflect on Paris
I am going through my kindle. Many more and Movable feast and Paris wife are both great but my favorite is
Waiting for Gertrude/ Bill Richardson
