Rating: 
Summary: Must read, even if you're a Paris pro
Review: Like all of the Traveler's Tales books, this one succeeds in illuminating aspects of Paris that you wouldn't normally see. It shows the city through the eyes of a soldier after the war; a dumped lover recovering in the City of Light; a Frenchman who sees Paris as the center of his cultural life.
There are undoubtedly places mentioned that you haven't seen, even if you've been to Paris a dozen times. And the essays illuminate the history of several important Paris icons.
A great collection to be read while on the plane to Paris!
Rating:
Summary: Travel Companion
Review: Like TT: France, this book is a perfect way to prepare psychologically for entering La France. Its collection of essays on living or traveling in Paris has passionate tales and historical accounts. A book like this is an excellent way to give you pointers on Paris city life. I would never have thought of experiencing the Turkish bathes of a Paris without the wonderful story in TT: Paris. And many would find it maudlin to go exploring Pere Lachaise cemetery, until reading some stories of the experience. Rick Steves' travel guides do a good job of highlighting particular things to see. Travelers' Tales take the experience to a deeper level.
Rating:
Summary: Travel Companion
Review: Like TT: France, this book is a perfect way to prepare psychologically for entering La France. Its collection of essays on living or traveling in Paris has passionate tales and historical accounts. A book like this is an excellent way to give you pointers on Paris city life. I would never have thought of experiencing the Turkish bathes of a Paris without the wonderful story in TT: Paris. And many would find it maudlin to go exploring Pere Lachaise cemetery, until reading some stories of the experience. Rick Steves' travel guides do a good job of highlighting particular things to see. Travelers' Tales take the experience to a deeper level.
Rating:
Summary: Breadth and depth
Review: You can read this book before going to Paris, after going to Paris, or just to dream about Paris. Of the 5 different Travelers' Tales Guides I have read, this is the best. The writing quality is good, and there is a surprising diversity in viewpoints and experiences represented. It is as if the magic of Pairs inspired the editor's best effort. The essays/excerpts/stories cover such a variety of topics, from carousels to strippers to Napoleon to the French historical angst, that one really gets an insight into French mind and culture. If you have any interest in Paris, you will find this book entertaining and enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: Breadth and depth
Review: You can read this book before going to Paris, after going to Paris, or just to dream about Paris. Of the 5 different Travelers' Tales Guides I have read, this is the best. The writing quality is good, and there is a surprising diversity in viewpoints and experiences represented. It is as if the magic of Pairs inspired the editor's best effort. The essays/excerpts/stories cover such a variety of topics, from carousels to strippers to Napoleon to the French historical angst, that one really gets an insight into French mind and culture. If you have any interest in Paris, you will find this book entertaining and enlightening.
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