I once asked the French photographer Boubat if he was a romantic. He responded saying no “I’m a humanist. I’m interested in photographing people. There’s enough bad to be seen in the world. I like to photograph and show what is good.”
French Humanist Photographers were among the best at portraying poetic moments and showing what was good about life after WWII. Now a new book “The Lighter Side of Paris” (Paris qui rit!) brings together such photographers as Boubat, Doisneau and Kertesz, who not only captured the poetry of daily life but the funny moments too. This book features a collection of humorous pictures of Paris that bring a smile. The photographs include work by such stars as Henri Cartier Bresson and less known pictures by a very funny René Maltete as well as many remarkable anonymous photographers. Although most of the photos date from the post WWII period, several were taken in the 20’s and 30’s with a few capturing drole moments in the Belle Epoque. Continue reading “The Lighter Side of Paris”
Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world with 28.9 million tourists a year. Sometimes, especially in the summer months, it seems that they are all trying to go to the same place you are. A new book “Quiet Paris” by Siobhan Wall is a guide to over one hundred wonderful off the beaten path places for savoring the quiet delights of this most seductive of cities. 
“Paris Mythique” is a new photo book published by Parigramme featuring one hundred iconic black and white photos ranging from Doisneau’s “le baiser de l’hotel de ville” to Henri Cartier-Bresson’s picture of French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre on the Pont des Arts footbridge to Raymond Cauchetier’s photograph of Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo on the set of Godard’s legendary 1960 movie “Breathless.” They’re all here as well as some little known gems such as a rare 1923 photo showing Sylvia Beach and Ernest Hemingway posing in front of the original Shakespeare and Company Bookshop when it was located on rue de l’Odeon. 
Alison Harris’ new photo book “Paris in Love” —ideal gift for Valentines Day— continues where Doisneau’s famous “Baiser de l’hotel de ville” left off. This charming book of color photographs published by Parigramme, depicting Paris’ romantic Seine, secret gardens, cafe terraces and park bench lovers, would make a perfect “petit cadeau” (only costs 9.90E) for anybody who loves this city. And like Audrey Hepburn said in the film “Sabrina,” “Paris is always a good idea.” For those who might have to wait a little while before getting a flight here, the book “Paris in Love” could be the next best thing.
Step into a postcard of Paris with this excellent guide to the City of Light. Illustrated by more than 300 color photographs, “No Worries Paris, a photographic walking guide” by Jerry and Janine Sprout takes readers on a visually luscious journey to the city’s striking monuments, as well as into the cobblestone crannies of its villages and along the glamorous fashion boulevards. 
ncisive, articulate and timely reading —this is one of the best books on France to come along in years. While most books about France tend to deal with such topics as how to seat your dinner guests à la francaise or insider tips on correct manners for French kissing, this one strikes a bulls eye for what really makes the country tick. 
Burgundy is a lush region of France, steeped in history and immersed in wine. Imagine a cooking school in a grand château, with a 3-star chef and guests from around the world….under a distant cloud of loss and betrayal. Joan Shore’s new book “Red Burgundy” is a story of progress vs. tradition, commerce vs. culture, the foreign and the familiar. (And the possibility that if you’re very lucky — or very unlucky — the past may catch up with you!) 
A spectacularly opulent relic of royal wealth and power comes alive in “Versailles” a new book by Valérie Bajou, who is a curator at the Château de Versailles and is a renowned specialist of French painting in the 19th century.
Visual Editions has republished or in their words “re-imagined” a classic by French novelist Marc Saporta (1923-2009). The new edition includes an introduction by Tom Uglow and drawings by Salvador Plascencia.
“Paris-Chien: adventures of an ex-pat dog,” a charming and engaging new book by Jackie Clark Mancuso, tells the tale of a Norwich Terrier’s year in Paris. From home sickness to French lessons to the struggle to make Parisian friends this book carries a message for children about how to cope with change in their lives. With a number of French words in the text, the book is a light intro to the language. Illustrated with colorful gouache paintings of Paris streets, parks, markets and cafes, the story will entertain children (and adults) who like dogs and Paris. “Paris-Chien” is Mancuso’s first book. You can visit her illustration website at 