The History of Paris: The Shaping of a Metropolis | Paperback Book

This book explores the history of Paris over 2,000 years, from its origins as a Celtic settlement to modern times. It covers political, social, and architectural developments that shaped the city.

Key Topics Covered:

• Ancient and Roman Period: The Parisii tribe and Roman establishment of Lutetia.
• Medieval Era: Viking raids, Capetian rule, and events like the plague.
• Revolutionary Period: The French Revolution, including the guillotine and key figures.
• 19th Century Changes: Haussmann's urban renovations and their social impacts.
• 20th Century: World War II occupation and post-war events, including protests.

Additional Historical Points:

• Construction Projects: Labor and funding for sites like Versailles.
• Sieges and Famines: Incidents during conflicts, such as animal consumption in shortages.
• Political Intrigues: Networks and uprisings across eras.

Reader Feedback Example: "This book discusses political and social aspects of Paris's history." — Jean-Luc R. (Verified Purchase)

Book Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: 20 chapters on major periods.
• Intended Audience: Suitable for those interested in urban history and French culture.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: THE BEGINNINGS OF PARIS – PREHISTORIC TO EARLY CELTIC PRESENCE

• Earliest human settlements along the Seine
• Influence of Celtic tribes and the emergence of the Parisii
• Geographical factors shaping early habitation

CHAPTER 2: THE ROMAN ERA & THE TRANSFORMATION INTO LUTETIA

• Roman conquest and administration
• Introduction of Roman architecture and engineering
• Cultural and economic shifts under Roman rule

CHAPTER 3: THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES – MEROVINGIANS & CAROLINGIANS

• Collapse of Roman power and the rise of Merovingians
• King Clovis and the significance of early Christianity
• Impact of Carolingian rule on governance and religion

CHAPTER 4: THE RISE OF THE CAPETIAN DYNASTY AND MEDIEVAL PARIS

• Foundation of the Capetian line
• Expansion of Paris as a political and trade center
• The role of churches and fortifications in urban development

CHAPTER 5: URBAN GROWTH, UNIVERSITIES, AND LIFE IN THE 12TH CENTURY

• Formation of early academic institutions
• Marketplaces, guilds, and everyday life
• Architectural developments and public works 

CHAPTER 6: THE 13TH CENTURY – SCHOLASTICISM, ARCHITECTURE, AND SOCIETY

• Rise of scholastic thought in Parisian universities
• Gothic cathedral construction and architectural innovations
• Social hierarchy and the role of the Church

CHAPTER 7: THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR AND ITS IMPACT ON PARIS

• Causes and main events of the conflict
• Sieges, shifts in power, and social unrest
• Long-term consequences for the city’s structure and economy

CHAPTER 8: THE RENAISSANCE IN PARIS – ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND ROYAL INFLUENCE

• Transition from medieval to Renaissance styles
• Patronage of the arts by French royalty
• Introduction of humanist thought and its effects on learning

CHAPTER 9: THE WARS OF RELIGION AND THE STRUGGLE FOR POWER

• Catholic–Huguenot conflicts and key events
• St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre and its aftermath
• Rise of Bourbon influence and the path to stability

CHAPTER 10: THE BOURBON KINGS AND THE SHAPING OF PARIS

• Henry IV’s efforts to restore order
• Infrastructure projects and urban improvements
• Developments in trade and commerce during Bourbon rule 

CHAPTER 11: THE 17TH CENTURY – LOUIS XIII, RICHELIEU, AND THE SEEDS OF ABSOLUTISM

• Centralization of power under Cardinal Richelieu
• Growth of noble townhouses and cultural institutions
• Setting the stage for Louis XIV’s absolute monarchy

CHAPTER 12: LOUIS XIV’S REIGN – THE GRAND TRANSFORMATION OF PARIS

• Major building projects and urban planning
• Cultural life, the arts, and the court’s influence
• Socioeconomic impact of prolonged wars and royal policies

CHAPTER 13: THE ENLIGHTENMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN 18TH-CENTURY PARIS

• Philosophical salons and the rise of intellectual debate
• Critiques of traditional authority and new social ideas
• Paris as a hub of print culture and public discourse

CHAPTER 14: THE FRENCH REVOLUTION – COLLAPSE OF THE OLD ORDER

• Economic crisis, social discontent, and the spark of revolution
• The storming of the Bastille and key revolutionary events
• Radical changes in governance and the Reign of Terror

CHAPTER 15: THE REVOLUTIONARY AFTERMATH – DIRECTORY, CONSULATE, AND THE RISE OF NAPOLEON

• Post-revolutionary factions and the Directory
• Napoleon’s ascent to power and the establishment of the Consulate
• Administrative, legal, and cultural reforms impacting Paris 

CHAPTER 16: THE RESTORATION AND THE SHIFTING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

• Return of the Bourbon monarchy
• Political tensions and the balance between old and new ideals
• Influence on everyday life and national identity

CHAPTER 17: THE JULY MONARCHY AND THE SEEDS OF FURTHER REVOLUTIONS

• The 1830 revolution and rise of Louis-Philippe
• Urban protests, barricades, and political clubs
• Socioeconomic reforms and growing discontent among the populace

CHAPTER 18: THE SECOND REPUBLIC, THE SECOND EMPIRE, AND HAUSSMANN’S PARIS

• Revolution of 1848 and the establishment of a republic
• Louis-Napoleon’s coup d’état and the birth of the Second Empire
• Baron Haussmann’s sweeping urban modernization projects

CHAPTER 19: THE SIEGE OF PARIS AND THE PARIS COMMUNE (1870–1871)

• Franco-Prussian War and the devastating siege
• Social and political factors leading to the Paris Commune
• The bloody end of the Commune and its lasting effects

CHAPTER 20: THE LATE 19TH CENTURY – CULTURAL FLOURISH AND INDUSTRIAL CHANGES

• Rebuilding the city and the emergence of new industries
• Artistic and literary movements shaping Parisian culture
• Foundations laid for Paris’s evolution into a modern metropolis  

Product Details

Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback