Paris (Illustrated Histories (Hippocrene)) [Paperback]

Elaine Mokhtefi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002 | Series: Illustrated Histories (Hippocrene)

Paris stands as a centre of culture, a leader in fashion and art, and a focal point in the world, where ideas meet, clash, and are redefined. In this illustrated volume, the author spans Paris' history from its modest beginnings on a bit of island in the Seine to today's thriving metropolis. This book outlines the historical context of Paris' major battles waged over religion, the monarchy, and democracy; it covers the dramatic events of the French Revolution, the occupation of Paris in World War II, and the student revolts of May 1968. Additionally, it serves as a useful reference guide to Parisian landmarks.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent pre-trip reading and a source for understanding and getting the most out of any extensive stay..." -- France in Print, Spring 2002.

About the Author

Elaine Mokhtefi

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781808383
• ISBN-13: 978-0781808385
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,139,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do Paris in Two Hours, September 23, 2006

By 

Ellie "Eilean Siar" (North Shore of Boston, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Paris (Illustrated Histories (Hippocrene)) (Paperback)

Paris may be eternal, the city of light, but this brief intorduction to its history covers only the past three thousand years, but that's enough. This is not for scholars. It is for you and me; we want to get a glimpse of all Paris has been.

I believe the author does us a great service by giving us a survey, not an academic tome. I got a lot out of it. Did you know the vikings raided Paris in the late middle ages, not once but several times?

That rulers have, even to the present, feared the Paris mobs? That St. Denis was decapitated on Montmartre (mountain of the martyr) and according to tradition, carried his head to what is now a Paris suburb? That roman baths and arenas exist even now in the city? That the Eiffel tower once was in danger of being torn down?

And, Joan of Arc once fought to take the city, held by her enemies. And Joan of Arc herself, well ... You'll just have to read this well written history for the rest of us!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good primer, July 5, 2009

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Music Aficionado (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Paris (Illustrated Histories (Hippocrene)) (Paperback)

I agree with the reviewer who wrote this is a lot more history than you get from a guidebook but much less than a semester of French history. I read it after visiting Paris and already knowing a little history of what I was seeing (couldn't get it beforehand). Like the history section of a Frommer's or Fodor's, this gives a sense of the places you see (Louvre, Notre Dame, Tour Eiffel, etc.). Where it is lacking is storytelling detail for some of the more interesting events, such as the execution of Louis the XIV and Marie Antoinette. Its almost not mentioned. All in all, a worthy 175 pages to read before visiting Paris considering the time investment.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fine Travel Supplement, Not so Good "Historian's History", May 17, 2011

By 

Trent P. McDonald - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Paris (Illustrated Histories (Hippocrene)) (Paperback)

Reading this short book will give you a brief overview of the history of Paris. It is a very easy read - not a child's book but a child could read it - but I wouldn't call the author a story-teller - she's not dry but there is little life in the narrative.

People often over Romanticize Paris but not Elaine Mokhtefi - she seemed at times a bit too negative, particularly regarding the earlier history/middle ages. Yes, it's bad to sugar coat it and there were horrible times, but it wasn't all bad - we wouldn't be who we are today without the good and bad.

This author glossed over large sections of the middle ages. In fact, almost half of the book dealt with the last 2 1/4 centuries,from the Revolution to the present (about 2002). In my opinion, if you want to know why Paris is the way it is, or at least the parts of Paris many people visit (Latin Quarter, Ile de la Cite, Marais, etc.) you should spend more time on the period between the start of 12th century to the end of the 16th century than the author chose to do here.

On the other hand, many of the actual buildings and monuments that attract us when we visit Paris are a bit newer. The author devotes some time to the various edifice and monuments put up by different rulers or during different epochs. That is the real key to understanding this book.

The targeted reader of this book will see a famous building and would like help placing it. Or they'll read an in depth depiction of what happened at a certain spot and want some historical context. That is where this book would come in - giving a little more continuity to the historical context than you usually get from a tourist or guide book, a better way to make sense of the kaleidoscope of names you'll read and hear while traveling to Paris. A little more background in what you are seeing. If this is what you are looking for, this book will do just fine, particularly at the very small price some of the vendors charge.

If you are a history buff and want more then I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere.