Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris [Paperback]

Christiann Anderson (Author), Monique Y. Wells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2002

"Paris Reflections" is a unique guidebook that takes readers on six walking tours through the historic districts of Paris where, for more than two centuries, African Americans have lived, worked, and created a rich and vibrant legacy of achievement in art, literature, science, business, sport, social reform, and other fields. From the eighteenth century to the present, the Parisian legacy of African Americans has been shaped by such women and men as Sally Hemings, Victor Sejour, Ada 'Bricktop' Smith, Jack Johnson, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Sidney Bechet, and James Baldwin. With the aid of simple and effective maps, the six walking tours extend through those parts of Paris with significant African American history. Along each walk, the different and often fascinating roles of African Americans in the history and culture of the district are noted and explained.In addition to the walking tours, this guide also provides a list of important dates for African American history in Paris, thumbnail biographies of the men and women mentioned in the text, sources for further reading, and basic travel information for getting to and navigating Paris. Sixteen original figures in full color and space for personal notes add special appeal to this clearly written and easy-to-use guide. Christiann Anderson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and lives and works in Paris as a professional illustrator and editor. Monique Y. Wells is a native of Houston, Texas, and lives and works in Paris in the cosmetic industry. Anderson and Wells are the authors of "Food for the Soul: A Texas Expatriate Nurtures Her Culinary Roots in Paris".

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christiann Anderson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and presently lives and works in Paris as a professional illustrator and editor. She is founder and owner of a graphic arts business. Monique Y. Wells is a native of Houston, Texas, and presently lives and works in Paris in the cosmetic industry. Monique and her husband own a travel planning service that provides personalised itineraries for independent travellers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (March 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939923882
• ISBN-13: 978-0939923885
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paris Re-discovery, September 1, 2002

By 

B. Anson Bailey (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris (Paperback)

One recent Saturday afternoon, I set out, copy of Paris Reflections in hand, to do an actual walking tour of the Latin Quarter in Paris. My aim was to familiarize myself with some of the Black American history meticulously detailed in the book. I wasn't entirely convinced that this journey would be that enjoyable.

What followed was an afternoon of sheer delight, as I rediscovered some of the incredible beauty of this area, with the added bonus of a perspective of celebrated Black Americans from a different era. While their very haunts may have changed or even be totally nonexistent, the monuments and neighborhoods themselves are still intact, to be seen just as these personalities saw them.

I applaud the authors for what must surely have been a labor of love. One pet-peeve, however, is the lack of photos of the basic points of interest encountered during the walks. But, otherwise, the discovery process as presented in this book in this most beautiful of cities is worth the price of admission alone. I enthusiastically recommend this offering!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reflections!, February 1, 2003

By 

Crystal Rhodes (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris (Paperback)

Paris Reflections, Walks Through African-American Paris is a comprehensive walking guide through the streets of Paris. Written by Christiann Anderson and Monique Wells, two African-American women who have adopted the city as their home, the book is a well documented history of African-Americans and others of African descent who have lived, worked and played in the famed City of Lights.

As one reads through the book, the authors' love and appreciation of the city is evident. In Paris Reflections, readers follow six fascinating walking tours of the city and are treated to a treasure cove of information, the obscure as well as the familiar, from important dates in Africa-American history in Paris to profiles of colorful personalities who have lived and worked in the city. Well written and easy to read, Paris Reflections, Walks Through African-American Paris is a valuable resource for both travelers and non-travelers as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo Ms. Anderson!!, September 3, 2002

By 

Kathleen Manchester (Sag Harbor, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris (Paperback)

Congratulations on work well done. While there are thousands of writings on Paris, add this to your list of Paris reading. While this work is uniquely geared towards a personal experience of Paris through the eyes of African Americans, it is a must have for anybody planning a cultural tour of the city of Paris. I congratulate Ms. Anderson for her enlightening and beautiful book!