A Traveller's History of Paris (Traveller's Histories Series) [Paperback]

Robert Cole (Author), Denis Judd (Editor), John Hoste (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

For many people, Paris is the epitome of the perfect city-beautiful, romantic, and imbued with vitality and culture. It is a wonderful place to visit and to live in.

Packed with fact, anecdote, and insight, A Traveller's History of Paris offers a complete history of Paris and the people who have shaped its destiny, from its earliest settlement as the Roman village of Lutetia Parisiorum with a few hundred inhabitants, to 20 centuries later when Paris is a city of well over two million-nearly one-fifth of the population of France.

This handy paperback is fully indexed and includes a Chronology of Major Events, as well as sections on Notre-Dame and historic churches, Modernism, parks, bridges, cemeteries, museums and galleries, the Metro, and the environs. Illustrated with line drawings and historical maps, this is an invaluable book for all visitors to read and enjoy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... an excellent resource...Robert Cole presents a complete picture of this historic city." -- Small Press

About the Author

Professor Robert Cole teaches Modern European History at Utah State University. He has travelled extensively in France, and made numerous trips to Paris. His published books include A Traveller's History of France (in the same series), a history of British propaganda and European neutral countries in the Second World War, and an analysis of the writing of late British historian A.J.P. Taylor. He has also reviewed extensively for a variety of academic history journals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Books; 4 Rev Upd edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566564859
• ISBN-13: 978-1566564854
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read this book before you go, February 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Traveller's History of Paris (Paperback)

Like most people, I didn't pay a lot of attention in world history class. If you ever slept through a lecture on the French Revolution, you should read this book. It looks dry, but is actually very witty; the author has a fine sense of irony. You can't help but snicker at the author's detail of the revolutionaries storming the Bastille, only to find just 6 people locked up... or finding out how Robespierre received a substantial award in college for excellent academic performance. A good overview of Parisian history from 53 BC to the present. The book also includes a section on the history of major monuments and museums, such as Notre Dame de Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Historical Glimpse into Paris, June 8, 2002

By 

Evin "Writer, Photographer, Traveler & Food E... (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Traveller's History of Paris (Paperback)

I first encountered this book in a college bookstore among the texts. It was required reading for a curriculum-based trip to France. I was surprised to find that though nestled among texts, this book was a refreshingly light read with insightful tidbits into Paris' grand history. Punctuated with simple sketches for illustrations, the book offers a great deal of behind-the-scenes information which enriches any trip to Paris let along anyone with a crush on the City of Light. I frequently include the book in my packing for overseas trips because it makes fun reading among travel companions as we tour the city or to discuss over a cup of café. The history in this book is simplified enough to be a pleasant read (not overwhelming or at all like stereo instructions), but in-depth enough to make you feel like an expert. It really enriches any visit to Paris to understand the city's history and this book is a great way to get an overview of what Paris has gone through over the ages.

7 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poorly organized and uneven, July 10, 2002

By 

"roammd" (Fairbanks, AK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Traveller's History of Paris (Paperback)

The first 90% of the book is an unevenly written 2000 year chronology of the city. The chapters proceed from pre-Roman to modern times. This makes it very difficult to find information from different eras on specific landmarks. The style is also very dry. My point is that the information isn't presented in a way that a traveller would want to access it--'I'm in Place de la Concorde--what's happened here over the centuries?' Other books I've read like this will take you through suggested walks in different neighborhoods talking about their history e.g. 'Turn left down this street and you're looking at Napolean's house etc...' The book also ignores or barely mentions the historical basis for many popular characters of Paris historical fiction. The musketeers get half a sentance and Victor Hugo's stories don't fare much better. The last 10% attempts to give some more detailed information about Notre Dame and a couple other landmarks but it's too little, too late. I did learn a lot of interesting material about the city. But I would recommend spending your time with a Parisian's memoir or work of fiction based in Paris. I think you would get much more enjoyment for your investment.