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How Paris Became Paris
- The Invention of the Modern City
- Narrated by: Robert Blumenfeld
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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What listeners say about How Paris Became Paris
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- notamatopoeia
- 06-25-14
frustrating
Any additional comments?
The book was fairly easy listening, given the topic, but it made regular references to illustrations - to which I didn't have access. I'm going to read the book myself instead.
6 people found this helpful
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- Mary
- 06-29-14
The text refers to illustrations
For that reason, it's the worst audio book ever! There are apparently lots of maps and historical illustrations included in the printed book. When the narrator says "… as in the illustration…" you're out of luck. If I had known this, I would not have bought it.
10 people found this helpful
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- Russell Welch
- 03-11-15
Fascinating history, but narrator is unbearable
Bottom line: listen to a sample of this narrator before you buy.
I listened to this in preparation of an upcoming visit to Paris. The history of the city is fascinating and relevant. The author breaks up certain aspects of the city's development (e.g. building the Pont Neuf, development of Paris's fashion dominance) and talks about how each contributed to the Paris we know now--and ultimately, every modern city.
But wow, the narrator is absolutely horrendous. He reads every sentence with so much drama and superiority, you'd think he was actually trying to evoke the ridiculous stereotype of a stuck up Parisian. I am not sure why the narrator insisted on reading like that, because it doesn't sound natural and the text itself doesn't read like that at all.
2 people found this helpful
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- james needham
- 04-12-21
I was worried because of the reviews.
This book was so intriguing. Loved it all. The pictures are referred to often in the book so I highly recommend having the book in hand. This book gives the foundations to the modern-day lovely Pairs as we know it and how it developed 1600s-1700s.
1 person found this helpful
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- ATN
- 09-02-16
An entertaining look at how urban development impacts culture
While this book took a little while to get going it comes into its own talking about how urban development had dramatic impact on culture and the development of style and fashion. An enjoyable listen.
1 person found this helpful
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- R.S.
- 01-21-20
Wonderful book for anyone who loves Paris!
I highly recommend this book but I have to say in the Audible version it was difficult to continually hear the references to artwork, drawings and maps that were not accessible. There needs to be a downloadable section that accompanies this Audible book!
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- Molly Kewl
- 02-03-19
Will Stick to Reading On This One
The narration is terrible; should have listened to a sample first. I could only stand 45 minutes of listening. I will read my kindle edition instead and enjoy it much more.
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- Kealani
- 11-26-18
Sparkling
Fascinating, chrisp history connects the various developments and inventions which made Paris the City of Light and every travelers mecca. Blessed with perfect French, the Reader delivers every noun and nuance so beautifully as to truly complement the flowing threads of this history.
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- eliz
- 07-28-15
A great history of my favorite city!
Any additional comments?
This book was quite enlightening about the development of Paris, and the innovations that have led urban development. Loved it!
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- DJ
- 07-18-15
Excellent template for how to brand a city
A knowledgeable clear and well written story about the evolution of Paris.The book documents the strategic planning to change the city from a medieval to the first modern city in Europe.