Little Known Museums in and Around Paris (Paperback)

by Rachel Kaplan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Those who seek something off the beaten path in Paris need look no further: Rachel Kaplan has uncovered some 30 museums, ranging from the grand--Alexandre Dumas's Monte-Cristo Estate--to the quaint, such as the Fan Museum, which houses nearly 800 French fans. Of the Museum of the Institute of the Arab World, Kaplan remarks, "[it] contains a precious legacy which not only helps to illuminate the past, but also enhances our understanding of many current advances we may have come to take for granted. Its handsome and well-documented displays of sumptuous woven rugs and textiles, richly embroidered costumes, ceramics and scientific instruments, confirm that without the influence of Arabic art and science, the world as we know it today would be a very different place." With beautiful color photographs and affectionate commentary, Little-Known Museums in and Around Paris is the perfect tonic for travelers with the "been there, done that" blues. --Jhana Bach

From Library Journal
Kaplan's Paris guide is as quaint as the title: it has wonderful color illustrations that make perusing a joy, and it is written in an easy-to-read style that will make readers wish they were in Paris, if they don't already. The charming presentation masks in-depth data on 30 Parisian museums, including up-to-date, accurate information such as hours and telephone numbers and a useful map. A good choice for most large travel collections.
Jennifer L.S. Moldwin, Detroit Inst. of Arts Lib.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810926768
• ISBN-13: 978-0810926769
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #703,039 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars After the Louvre and Orsay, What?, May 7, 2000

By	James Paris "Tarnmoor" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Rachel Kaplan's engaging little book is a fascinating guide to some of the many museums in and around Paris that do NOT make it into the big guidebooks. Everyone has heard of the Louvre, the Orsay, even the Musee Rodin, but what about the others? Some of them are small museums run by devoted individuals; at least one (the Musee de la Marine in the Trocadero complex) is, I believe, run by the French government.

This is a book badly in need of updating. Three years ago, when I used to to visit the Maison de Balzac on Rue Raynouard, the information on transportation, hours, and addresses was of relatively recent vintage and, consequently, more trustworthy.

While Kaplan's contributions are wonderful and the many black and white and color photographs memorable, the publisher did a very mediocre job of presentation. I do not care for the book's alphabetic orientation and deplore the unhelpful single map.

One more negative: There are many other small museums in Paris that are not even mentioned in passing, such as the Musee de la Serrure (locks, keys, and door knockers); Musee de la Poste (mail service); Musee Guimet (Oriental art); the new museum of Jewish history near the Pompidou Center -- to mention just a few.

And yet, I look forward in a couple of weeks to visiting the Musee Delacroix and the Musee Cognac-Jay, neither of which appear in my other guidebooks. This is a very useful book for those who wish to explore lesser-known parts of the City of Lights. I look forward to a new edition which will make it even more useful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging well written tour of Paris' little known museums, December 7, 1997

By A Customer

Rachel Kaplan's book provides an engaging, photographically and well written introduction to little know museums in and around Paris. Having just returned from Paris, and meeting and sharing some "secret places" with the author, I can concur that her knowledge, love of the subject, and accuracy are compelling. This is a wonderful book for the art lover and traveler who want to see beauty that doesn't necessary make the pages of the usual guide books - and misses the tourist crowds as well. Rachel Kaplan's book is worth a visit!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful guidebook !, February 9, 2000

By	Ronald Holden "The Cornichon" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

Whether you're on your first trip to Paris, or a regular visitor, Rachel Kaplan's "Little Known Museums in and Around Paris is a gem. Forget the crowds at the Louvre and Orsay! Follow Rachel's advice and seek out Balzac's home, Maillol's or Zadkine's sculptures, Delacroix's paintings ... Rachel's scholarship and lively style make you want to leave the beaten track and head for these less-famous, less-crowded, first-rate museums.