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Harriette K. (Northbrook, IL)
A PASSION FOR PARIS
First, I must say, that I fell in love with Paris on my very first visit there many years ago. I fell in love again while reading David McCullough's "The Greater Journey" a few years ago. I thought that was the epitome. David Downie's account of nineteenth century Paris, the literati that roamed it's streets and all the juicy gossip comes in a close second. There is so much to absorb that I was constantly backtracking, trying to remember as much as possible. Would that I could hop a plane to Paris, grab the author's hand and go with him through all those dark alleys and dusty rooms again. If the reader is able
…more to have an actual visit to Paris, take this book with you. (less)There is so much history and detailed information about the age of Romanticism packed into this book and it was fun to read. I want to see all the places he describes and read even more about the people he has thoroughly researched. I will reread it before I go to Paris to make sure I follow his very well laid out paths. It has inspired me to reread French literature. When possible, I hope the pictures are in color in the final publication and it would be so helpful to have maps showing the locations he describes. This book alone will increase tourism to Paris. Tour groups heading to Paris would enjoy reading
…more and discussing this book as would history and literature students. Take this book with you to Paris! (less)I have never been to Paris but Paris has always been on my mind and David Downie's latest book, A Passion for Paris: Romanticism and Romance in the City of Light beautifully illustrates why that is so!
I am an ardent student of the Romantic period, both vocationally and avocationally but Downie's complete emersion into this era is beyond anything I have ever encountered. He adores Paris more than any just about anyone. And his knowledge of its people and history has been gained through personal experience and exposure to them in a quite visceral manner. After reading two pages, I knew I could trust him to be
…more authentic and accurate and I was totally enamored with who he is due to the way in which he reveals himself through the telling of the stories of the lives of the key figures from this mystical time in Paris.
One aspect of the book that I find to be helpful, especially for those not well-versed in this era, is an appendix which gives a thumb-nail bio of each main character involved in the Romanticism movement in Paris. As well, the illustrations, photographs and prints scattered throughout the book keeps the reader aware that this is a real place and these are real people whose lived are being explored and exposed!
All in all, I heartily recommend A Passion for Paris: Romanticism and Romance in the City of Light for anyone who has been, is going to or is just curious about Paris and its exciting role in the world of the arts!
Editor's Note: Cheri read an advance reading copy of A Passion for Paris. While we are not sure in this case whether the finished book will have an appendix, many ARCS are missing these sorts of finishing touches as they are created before the final editing process. (less)Paris is the city of my soul so having a review copy of David Downie's A Passion for Paris was a gift in the midst of a dreary winter's end! For anyone in love with the City of Light, Downie's wonderfully written book offers new (and often irreverent) insights into what many feel is the most romantic city on earth. This delightful book now occupies pride of place among many others on my bookshelf written about Paris...and will go with me on my next trip so that I can follow Downie's footstep through that beautiful city. I highly recommend this entertaining and educational read!
Diane S. (Batavia, IL)
A passion for Paris
I think the title says it all. My favorite things about this book was that you could tell how passionate the author was. Loved learning all the hidden little literary facts as well as places that many don't know. If I ever go to Paris I will definitely take this book with me.
Retired in Wysox, PA
"A look back at Romantic Paris"
This book was a graduate course in the Romantic fine arts! I thought that I was fairly well read and familiar with the well known authors and artists discussed in this book -but I soon discovered the many gaps in my own education. I especially enjoyed reading about how the paths of many of these people crossed and about their relationships with each other. The writer makes everyone "come to life" with poetic physical descriptions and the inclusion of some of the details of their everyday routines. The reader can visualize the individuals in their particular surroundings. The details of the streets, parks and
…more buildings made me want to book a plane ticket to Paris. My favorite section describes the author's observing Foucault's pendulum and viewing it as the "world spinning around Paris for eternity." The pictures were interesting and a nice touch. The only suggestion I have is that some type of a city map or grid would have been helpful. Great read! (less)it is a travelogue and history combined. It mentions famous people including Victor Hugo, George Sand, Nadar, Balzac and their escapades. Also has photos which adds realism. It is about the literature, art, and music of the romantic age. My daughter took 3 years of French in high school and is very excited about reading this book.
Peggy H. (North East, PA)
Mon Dieu! Paris!
As a committed Francophile and Romantic, I obvious love all of the amazing details in the book! Having just finished reading a novel on George Sand it is wonderful to tie in the lives and views of the two authors.
However, I wonder how the average person would react to all the factoids...and I comment...it would have been wonderful to have more maps showing exactly the areas being described...so in my next trip, I could wander around the same places.
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