Category: Books on France

Stephen Clarke, known for his popular novel “Year in the Merde” depicting  the indisputably laddish protagonist, Paul West and his expat adventures in France, was in Paris recently promoting his latest book  “1000 Years of Annoying the French.” Continue reading “Stephen Clarke… Annoying the French?”

No-one knows a city like the people who live there – so who better to relate the history of Paris than its inhabitants through the ages? Taking us from 1750 to the new millennium, Parisians introduces us to some of those inhabitants: we meet spies, soldiers, scientists and alchemists; police commissioners, photographers and philosophers; adulterers, murderers, prisoners and prostitutes. We encounter political and sexual intrigues, witness real and would-be revolutions, assassination attempts and several all too successful executions; we visit underground caverns and catacombs, enjoy the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, are there for the opening of the Metro, accompany Hitler on a flying visit to the French capital – and much more besides. Continue reading “Parisians, An Adventure History of Paris”

A new affordable book (6 Euros) from Parigramme by Catherine Jarrige with tips on where to feast in Paris without spending a fortune! This is the insider’s guide to dining in Paris: genuine neighborhood bistros, casual “no-frills”gourmet restaurants, delis and wine bars which source products carefully and prepare them artfully. This guide will help you avoid tourist traps and make your Parisian stay a succession of savory marvels… at reasonable prices. Great Meals! Great Deals!

Just in time for springtime and for those who dream of a “romantic rendezvous in the City of Light” here is an updated “tongue in cheek” guide by Thierry Soufflard (Parigramme) which romps through all the clichés of romantic Paris while giving advice on such topics as how and where to kiss at museums (and keep out of sight of the attendants!)… Or, how to imitate Doisneau’s famous smooch shot “The Kiss at the Hotel de Ville.”

A new book from Debra Oliver the author of the popular book ” Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl.” Here Ollivier goes beyond familiar ooh-la-la stereotypes about French women, challenging cherished notions about sex, love, dating, marriage, motherhood, seduction and flirtation. Less a how-to and more a how-not-to, Peppered with anecdotes from its Franco-American author and filled with provocative ideas from French sexperts, mistresses and maidens alike, it debunks longstanding myths while talking about life-affirming alternatives from the land that knows how to love.

One of the things that makes this book of recipes special is the life story that comes with it. “It is a collection of recipes” says author Eleanor Garvin “that I have cooked for clients and friends during the 25 years that my husband, Denis, and I have lived in France.” Her husband Denis Sherman, a wine specialist, provided photos and wine notes for the book. Continue reading “At Home in Burgundy…”

One of the things that makes Paris exceptional is that in the more poetic neighborhoods such as the Latin Quarter the streets sometimes seem haunted by ghosts of the people who have lived there. Continue reading “Paris and Her Remarkable Women”

This sumptuous artistic tribute to the city of lights-sure to please Francophiles on your gift list- brings Paris to life in paintings that range from medieval to modern. With such classics as Manet’s “Bar at the Folies-Bergère, ” Watteau’s “Enseigne de Gersaint” and even Robert Doisneau’s legendary photograph  “Baiser Hotel de Ville” the book’s editors (Georges Duby and Guy Lobrichon) provide a  visual journey through the city’s picturesque life. With 350 full-color illustrations the book presents Paris from its earliest days as a city on the Ile de la Cité, through the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, to the city’s “Haussmannization” to contemporary views depicting it as a multi-faced modern capital.

The author of the book “Paris Movie Walks” will lead a free walking tour of famous film locations on November 25, 2009 at 4:00 p.m., starting from Shakespeare and Company, the famed Left Bank English language bookstore. Continue reading “Paris Movie Walks”

Wonderful book full of insights and anecdotes about life with the French. Using her own personal experiences of over 20 years living in France Lucy Wadham provides an insiders look on how things work here and leads us on a journey through the French moral maze, and examines French attitudes to a range of subjects from marriage and adultery to work and race relations.

From villages in Southwest France to the city of lights a visit to a flea market can be the highlight of a trip to France including a lively encounter with everyday French culture, an exciting way to spend a few hours, and a chance to pick up a unique souvenir. The Flea Markets of France is the indispensable tool for getting the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced shopper. Conversational and comprehensive, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about exploring markets all over France. Descriptions of more than thirty markets and their specialties, as well as practical advice on visiting them, is augmented by notes on regional items, tips on bargaining and collecting, a glossary of relevant French phrases, and a useful rating system which gives an overview of each market.

Much more than a simple listing of French flea markets, Sandy Price’s suggestions of things to do nearby, places to eat, food specialties of the area, and local amenities are complemented by bits of history and cultural observations.