1889

Paris and the Universal Exposition

By: Michael Gotwalt

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Paris was the center of the world in 1889. From art to architecture to engineering to imagination, Paris set the standard for the soon to come 20th century. Into this scene comes photographer Eustace Wyatt, photojournalist for eccentric publisher James Gordon-Bennett Jr. After a stopover in London to photograph the murder ground of the still unsolved ripper murders, and by happenstance meet his favorite detective, Sherlock Holmes, Wyatt proceeds to Paris and takes up residence in Montmarte. The Universal Exposition is soon to open with Eiffel's Tower the centerpiece. Come along with Wyatt and his writing partner, Lloyd Kane as they experience La Belle Epoque. Along the way they belfried the likes of Toulouse Lautrec, Paul Gauguin, Gustav Eiffel, Nikola Tesla, Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and others, and discover that behind the scenes, Europe is in turmoil on the continent and with possessions in Africa and the Levant. Excitement and espionage soon become part of their daily routine. At the center of this is the Universal Exposition, arguably one of the greatest of fairs. All of Europe is there and the exposition provides a convenient locale for much behind the scenes negotiation and foul play.