Metro Stop Paris: An Underground History of the City of Light

by Gregor Dallas

Book Overview

A history of Paris in twelve metro stops."Metro Stop Paris" recounts the extraordinary and colorful history of the City of Light, by way of twelve Metro stops a voyage across both space and time. At each stop a Parisian building, or street, or tomb or landmark sparks a story that holds particular significance for that area of the city. Dallas takes us to the jazz cellars and literary cafes of Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Pres; the catacombs...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802716954
• ISBN13: 9780802716958
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Walker & Company
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

An interesting historic read, but ....

During a recent trip to Paris, I found myself wondering how some of the Métro stations had gotten their names. I bought this book in hopes of learning some of those stories. As I launched into the first chapter, I was surprised by the rather scholarly tone. (Based on the descriptions I'd read, I'd been expecting something more akin to a guidebook.) But Mr. Dallas relates the historic and biographical tales so vividly that I was soon hooked. If you have an interest in Paris' history, I highly recommend this read. It's well told and engaging, and it offers a wonderful glimpse of the people and events that shaped this great city. One caveat, though: I wish I'd bought the print version instead of the Kindle edition. The Kindle version is full of bizarre typos and distracting line breaks. I wonder whether someone "Kindled" a printer's galley by mistake ...

Great in Paris Read

This is not a typical guide book in that it chooses different metro stops for in depth information. It is presented in a very readable format and makes for great reading while in Paris or on the bedside table when contemplating a trip. Not for the first time visitor.

Well written, unusual

I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this unusual volume. I have to preface the review by saying I have zero interest in writers, politicians, and opera personnel, so there were many biographical sketches I skipped over. That doesn't detract from the wonderful historical flow of the essays, organized around Metro stops. Some areas skimp a bit (entire books have been written about Pere-Lechaise for example) while others go on a bit too long. Still, it's like having a personal, well-informed and literate guide leading you from one attraction to another. I read through it in a couple evenings - I suppose that theoretically, it might work best to take along on a trip as you stroll around some of the areas, stop at a park or cafe, and read the associated chapter and appreciate the history you are reading about. Still, I can't imagine doing that.