by John Baxter
Its funny, its an easy read and it has gems of information about Paris and some great pictures. Did we need the Aussie chapter-probably not- but small quibbles like that aside-I really enjoyed this and came away with a number of places added to my list of things I want to do when next in Paris. If I had to pick one I have not done already, it will be a visit to La Rotonde as I have always avoided Montparnasse as just a busy area to be used for the railway only. If Paris are ever looking for an ex pat ambassador they have found their man in John Baxter. 7/10
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Paris During the Commune
by William Gibson
This book is a collection of letters written by a British Methodist minister who was responsible for a Paris circuit. It is compulsive reading as he outlines what it was like living as an ex-pat during the bloody weeks of the Commune. In many ways it offers an alternative view, suggesting at times it was not as bad as it seemed and suggesting the commune were just a bunch of rabble rousers. Even though the description of Paris burning and the column in place vendome being pulled down are absorbing. For the immediacy and quirky angle this is well worth a read. You will need to get a second hand copy. 8/10
This book is a collection of letters written by a British Methodist minister who was responsible for a Paris circuit. It is compulsive reading as he outlines what it was like living as an ex-pat during the bloody weeks of the Commune. In many ways it offers an alternative view, suggesting at times it was not as bad as it seemed and suggesting the commune were just a bunch of rabble rousers. Even though the description of Paris burning and the column in place vendome being pulled down are absorbing. For the immediacy and quirky angle this is well worth a read. You will need to get a second hand copy. 8/10
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