Books
How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City –
Joan DeJean
As explored during our tour, this great book argues that
Paris as we know it (designed for strolling and public life) was born in the
17th century, largely spearheaded by Henri IV. It details the construction of
the Pont Neuf and the Place Dauphine, and the birth of prime real estate.
Paris: The Biography of a City – Colin Jones
A great and comprehensive history of Paris, beginning with
the Roman settlement of Lutetia on Île de la Cité, including fantastic context
on how the islands functioned as the fortified, religious, and royal nerve
center of the city for centuries.
Metronome: A History of Paris from the Underground Up –
Lorànt Deutsch
Each chapter corresponds to a century and a Parisian metro
station, and Deutsch spends a lot of time on the Île de la Cité, covering the
original Celtic Parisii tribe and the bloody medieval history of the early
French kings.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Victor Hugo
The ultimate love letter to the medieval Île de la Cité.
Hugo wrote it to save the crumbling Gothic architecture of the island from
being demolished.
Movies
Queen Margot (La Reine Margot, 1994) – Patrice Chéreau
A sweeping, bloody historical epic centered on the St.Bartholomew’s Day Massacre and the early years of Henri of Navarre (before he became Henri IV), as well as the ruthless royal intrigues of16th-century Paris.
Questions? You can always reach me here: contact@joshshoemake.com.