How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B00I7X6KA6 | Format: EPUB
How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City Description
At the start of the 17th century, Paris was known for a few monuments, but it had not yet put its brand on urban space. Like many European cities, it was still emerging from its medieval past. But within a century, Paris would be transformed into the modern and mythic city we now know. Most people associate the signature characteristics of Paris with the 19th century.
Joan DeJean demonstrates that the Parisian model for urban space was in fact invented two centuries earlier, when the first full design for the French capital was implemented. During this period, Paris saw many changes: It became the first city to tear down its fortifications. A large-scale urban plan was created and executed, with organized streets and boulevards, modern bridges, sidewalks, and public parks. Venues opened for urban entertainment, from opera and ballet to another pastime invented in Paris, recreational shopping.
Parisians enjoyed the earliest street lighting and public transportation, even as theirs became Europe?s first great walking city. A century of planned development made Paris beautiful and exciting.
It gave people reasons to be out in public as never before and as nowhere else. It gave Paris its modern identity as a place that people dreamed of seeing. As Joan DeJean shows us in this compelling portrait of a city in transition, by 1700 Paris had become the capital that would transform forever our conception of the city and of urban life.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 8 hours and 4 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Audible for Bloomsbury
- Audible.com Release Date: March 4, 2014
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00I7X6KA6
While most historical non-fiction does not attract as many readers as other more popular venues, this book is a pleasant exception. The author has clearly done her research and homework. Occasionally history can be as interesting as fiction and this book is a good example. With its roots in the early European renaissance, the author has called on the historical characters and events which started Paris on its path toward becoming one of the world's most fabled cities. This book is very well written and will hold the attention of a wide selection of readers.
By Robert Steven Thomas
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
great book about Paris and how the city grew and developed into a major influence on the world. Easy read and ideas and concepts all joined together to show how the city created itself.
By jeffery bell
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