It’s probably been fairly noticeable over the past year or so that I’ve developed quite an interest in the French Revolution (as well as the side aspect of iconoclasm during that conflict…); so when the opportunity arose to review a new book from Head of Zeus about the reconstruction of Paris during the 1800s, I was of course very interested indeed….
“City of Light” by Rupert Christiansen is a beautiful hardback book, lavishly illustrated and full of fascinating information about the knocking down of the mediaeval street plan and the building of the boulevards in Paris. It also puts the changes very firmly in context, clarifying much of what can be a very complex period of French history. The book raises a number of issues, and it struck a number of nerves with me. I find myself very conflicted about the amount of razing to the ground and rebuilding that happens nowadays, particularly when it’s done with little regard for the humans that have to live and work in the areas concerned.
By http://www.geographicus.com/mm5/cartographers/ [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
So this is a book that looks at a historical landmark that is still very relevant to what’s happening around us today. My review is at Shiny here, so please do pop over and have a look.
Aug 23, 2018 @ 11:39:02
I’m so glad you liked this, because Paris is one of my favourite literary destinations; and though I haven’t been to London for a few years I share your disappointment in the change in what used to be ‘my patch’ when I worked just a few minutes’ walk away.
Aug 23, 2018 @ 12:15:39
Me too – I could read about Paris endlessly! And I’m not against change in itself as long as it’s done well – which it patently often isn’t nowadays…
Aug 23, 2018 @ 17:48:22
What a pretty cover, and your photograph is lovely too! This sounds like a very interesting read although perhaps one best enjoyed by those with an on-the-ground acquaintance with the city? Or maybe a simple interest in history would suffice…
Aug 23, 2018 @ 18:45:45
Thank you! I actually have *no* on-the-ground acquaintance with Paris (it’s on my bucket list…) but I think if you’re interested in history that would definitely be enough, as there’s a lot about context ahd history as well as location and planning – plus lots of pictures!
Aug 23, 2018 @ 18:18:21
What a beautiful looking book. I share your frustrations with senseless building. Birmingham has changed greatly too, I see old photos of Brum sometimes and feel sad for the past. Though I admit many of the changes have been good – but maybe not all of them.
Aug 23, 2018 @ 18:44:38
It *is* a gorgeous book! And yes, some change is good, but you only have to read the Persephone book The Sack of Bath to see what kind of wholesale destruction can take place by uncontrolled planners. Very depressing…
Aug 23, 2018 @ 18:32:06
What a beautiful book, an ideal gift for someone with an interest in the evolution of the city.
Like you, I worry about the ongoing changes to Soho/Charing Cross Road. As you say, so much of the old character of the place is being swept away or homogenised. I’m not sure what’s happening with it now, but The Curzon Cinema was under threat from the Crossrail development at one point. Hopefully it will survive the cull…
Aug 23, 2018 @ 18:43:15
It really is a lovely volume – pretty *and* interesting! 🙂
And yes, what’s happening in London is not pretty. So much of the soul of the area has gone. I know we need progress but it needs to be balanced, and the trouble is there is the modern tendency for standarisation, which does tend to make everything so boring…
Aug 26, 2018 @ 19:54:48
Don’t get me started! Dean Street makes me weep hot tears of frustration, and it’s spread eastwards too – Spitalfields is full of chain stores 😦 The book sounds wonderful though!
Aug 26, 2018 @ 20:17:35
It’s awful, isn’t it? All that history and atmosphere gone and mainly in the pursuit of gentrification. I haven’t been near Spitalfields – it’s bad. I hate chain stores….. The book *is* good though and I wish I shared the author’s optimism about future development.
Sep 16, 2018 @ 07:34:51