The Personality of Paris: Landscape and Society in the Long-Nineteenth Century

The Personality of 19th-century Paris explores the complex personality traits of the city from the Revolution of 1789 to the beginning of the Great War, considering its social and material complexity, immigration, landscape, revolutions, and wars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Personality of 19th-century Paris: A Comprehensive Exploration

The conventional narrative and chronological approach often employed in histories of Paris is avoided in this book. Instead, it delves into the intricate personality traits of Paris from the onset of the Revolution of 1789 to the beginning of the Great War. The book begins by examining the geographical and cultural legacies that late 18th-century Paris inherited from its foundation in pre-Roman and Roman times, as well as from its medieval infancy and early-modern adolescence.

The Personality of Paris unravels the social and material complexity of the 19th-century city. It explores the role of immigration in shaping the identity of Parisians and contributing to the city's remarkable growth from half a million inhabitants in 1801 to nearly three million in 1911. The book also examines the creation of Paris's distinctive landscape through the construction of monuments and architectural icons, the massive re-modelling efforts of Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, the impact of its five world exhibitions, the emphasis on food, fashion, and leisure, and the ways in which Parisians sought respite from urban pressures in rural settings.

Furthermore, The Personality of 19th-century Paris considers the self-harm inflicted upon the city by revolutions and wars, as well as the damage caused by 20th-century hubristic politicians and architects. The book seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted personality of Paris during this transformative period, shedding light on its rich history, cultural heritage, and enduring influence.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350252639