5 comments about Paris In Mind.

1. What a shame that such a nominally prestigious publishing house as Random House should choose to squander its prestige on an anthology as misguided and truly unnecessary as this. First of all, it begins from the wrong place, which is to say cliche: namely, the cliche of the American in Paris, getting charmed, getting frustrated (but just a little bit), getting (it is intimated) laid. What is missing is the realization that Paris is beautiful AND complicated, and no, juxtaposing a squib by David Sedaris (yawn) with one by Thomas Jefferson does not do much, if an7thing, in the way of promoting excitement or insight.
   The inclusion of unknown writers is to be commended, the fact that their material is almost studiously lackluster is not. How an editor whose previous work includes "2sexE: Urban Tales of Love, Liberty and the Pursuit of Gettin' It On" was ever entrusted with this subject matter is beyond me, but if you think Paris deserves to be treated like a Fox News documentary, then maybe this slight tome is the book for you.



2. The Washington Post's Jonathan Yardley says "Paris in Mind is terrific in just about every respect." John Leonard of Harper's Magazine calls it an "engaging anthology" of notable Americans writing about the City of Light. Frank Prial in the New York Times imagines Josephine Baker singing 'I have two loves/My own country and Paris' as "the musical theme for this attractive book." PARIS IN MIND is a wonderful anthology for anyone who loves Paris.



3. In her book, Jennifer Lee, has collected a delightful anthology of American writers in Paris. The book is like a basket of delicious French pastries - all here for our taking. No avid reader will be able to pass this one up.



4. never before have i come across such an eclectic and engaging anthology writings about paris from an american perspective. not only does the editor cover different aspects of the parisian experience--love, food, living, tourism--but she does so from a variety of perspectives from thomas jefferson to langston hughes. i would definitely recommend this book to any american planning a trip to paris or anybody who is simply in a "paris state of mind."



5. It was Oscar Wilde who observed that when good Americans die, they go to heaven, but when very good Americans die, they go to Paris. Guided by two goals for her excellent anthology, "pleasure and variety" (p. xix), Editor Jennifer Lee has collected three centuries of American writers here, John Adams, James Baldwin, Dave Barry, Saul Bellow, Art Buchwald, T. S. Eliot, M.F.K. Fisher, Hemingway, Langston Hughes, Thomas Jefferson, Anais Nin, David Sedaris, Gertrude Stein, Twain, Edith Wharton, and E. B. White, among others, who all share one thing in common: a passion for Paris.
   
   PARIS IN MIND is organized into four sections: "Love (How to Seduce and Be Seduced Like a Parisian)," "Food (How to Eat Like a Parisian)," "The Art of Living (How to Live Like a Parisian)," and "Tourism (How You Can't Help Being an American in Paris)." Readers will find Twain captivated the Parisian "cancan" dance, and Bellow contemplating that even God "would be perfectly happy in France because he would not be troubled by prayers, observances, blessings and demands . . . Surrounded by unbelievers He too could relax toward evening, just as thousands of Parisians do at heir favorie cafes" (p. 59). In her contribution, Sylvia Beach recounts her dream of opening an American bookstore in Paris. In "Hunger was Good Discipline (from A MOVEABLE FEAST), Hemingway describes his encounter with physical and artistic hunger in Paris. Grant Rosenberg captures the Parisian cafe culturen in "A Day in the Life of a Parisian Cafe." In "The City of Light in the Dark," Sedaris describes his love of watching classic American films in Parisian theaters. In the excerpt from NO NAME IN THE STREET, James Baldwin describes his experience of being a black American in Paris. Reading PARIS IN MIND offers readers reason enough to live their lives as very good Americans.
   
   G. Merritt

No comments about 101 French Idioms with MP3 Disc (101... Language).

1 comments about Special Places to Stay French Bed and Breakfast, 10th (Special Places to Stay French Bed & Breakfast).

1. I have bought every version of this book since 2001 and have stayed in perhaps 30 of the B and Bs recommended in the book. With only two exceptions, all have been excellent. I wrote to the publisher about a problem with one and it was noted in the next edition. This guide is not only dependable, it is well-organized. Once you know what region you want to stay in, it is easy to use the guide maps and descriptions to find the right place.

5 comments about The French Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the French.

1. This book is part of a series of cultural guides; others in the series are "The Hispanic Way", "The German Way", & "The Italian Way". I'd read & enjoyed both "The Hispanic Way" & "The German Way", so when finding "The French Way", I wanted to read it, too. Taken as a guide exclusively to France & its people, this book is quite serviceable & thorough. And like any book this size & attempting to deal with a topic of this scope, "The French Way" is not going to be exhaustive, but rather is a good introduction & "stepping-stone" to further reading. There is indeed good information in this book. However, "The Hispanic Way" & "The German Way" are more thorough, providing information not exclusive on "Spain" or "Germany", respectively, but on Spanish-speaking countries & German-speaking coutries, too. Obviously, the francophone world is huge, & a book of this size would have to focus primarily on one area; "The Hispanic Way" focused on Spain, does provide information about Hispanic America as well. I had hoped that "The French Way" would include some information about Belgium, Luxembourg, & Canada at least. Since this book doesn't include at least a little more information about these other francophone areas, I'd have to give it only 4 stars.



2. Although some historical references are right (not all of them however), most of the content of this book is based on cliches and stereotypes about France ...
   First of all , how can you name a book "Aspect of behavior, attitudes , etc ... of French people" ? It sounds like a book about animals.
   Also I was very disappointed by the lack of information about regions and cities other than paris.
   To me it is not the kind of book that will help you understand the French culture or even help you travel throughout France, it is rather a very biased pro-american comparison between french and american cultures.

   Stay away from this book !




3. This book is too clichéd! Everything is described so briefly. I hesitate to call is succinct because it really doesn't delve deep into the culture. The topics covered are very superficial and it makes the culture look very transparent.

   The book just barely gives you enough information to be a tad bit familiar with French culture but by all means will not prepare you for any immersion into French culture.

   I've seen worse books than this, though. But there are better ones out there.




4. This book was organized very well and an easy read. It was very interesting and I read it in 2 nights! It needs to be updated, though, because the French have since changed to the Euro and no longer the franc.



5. This book gives a very broad, basic view of France. If you know nothing about France, it can be helpful. However, if you've ever taken French classes in high school or college, you've probably learned these cultural notes in the introductory courses. As a study abroad advisor, I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know anything about France, but would be very worried if I was sending a student to France for a year and this was the extent of his/her knowledge! If you're going to France for a week on a tour, this book will help prepare you and may explain some of the questions you have about France. If you're going to be going to France for a longer period of time and/or want to really develop a greater understanding of French culture, this book is way too general and introductory for you. It's set up like a mini encyclopedia, with the subjects arranged alphabetically, not by category or subject area. It's an interesting set up, and fine for a brief introduction to French culture. If you're a strict grammarian who finds it distracting to read texts with grammatical errors, be forewarned: this book has several grammatical errors throughout its subjects.

2 comments about Brassai: The Monograph.

1. When Abrams released their long-delayed book on Brassai last December, THE EYE OF PARIS, I was very critical of the entire piece. The images weren't well-printed, the selection was mundane, and the whole thing had an oddly slapped together quality, especially for such a major publisher. Now we have Bullfinch's answer to the recent Brassai gap, and it is a clear success, head and shoulders above this earlier release. After only a relatively cursory look at the book, it is clear that this is what we've been waiting for. The selction of images is deep and varied, mixing both the iconic with the lesser known, the printing is lustrous and dimensional, and the layout is both attractive and compelling. The production may not match the incredible PARIS BY NIGHT reissue of the late 80's, but nothing probably ever will. That said, this book looks very good indeed. I haven't read the impressively credited text yet, but the visuals are certainly terrific, the most important thing, obviously, in a photography book. It is hard to imagine a superior monograph on this seminal figure forthcoming anytime soon. Grab it and feast.



2. This book deserves more than five stars.

   Before going further, let me mention that Brassai's images contain many sinners and show the seamier side of Paris. For example, there are many photographs of prostitutes here. If such subjects upset you, do avoid this volume.

   The collection of Brassai's work at the Musee National d'Art Moderne at the Pompidou Centre in Paris was recently expanded from 300 to 500 items due to a large deposit by Mme. Gilberte Brassai, his widow. This monograph greatly benefits from these additions. The monograph also commemorates the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1899.

   Best known for his photography, Brassai had many other dimensions: collector, scholar, sketcher, sculptor, and writer. His self description was as "a creator of images." This book does an excellent job of capturing all of these elements so we can better understand the entire man and his work.

   As Brassai said, "The meaning of art is not authenticity . . . but the expression of authenticity." Why does he say that? Well, his method of photography required careful staging because of the bulkiness of his equipment and its slow speed. So, although an image may seem like something taken by a news photographer from the Daily Blurb, Brassai's techniques required that subjects hold their poses for long periods of time. Much like Cindy Sherman does today using herself as the model, those in the photographs were often friends of Brassai's who were posing as someone else. So what is remarkable about these "candid" photos is his "use of re-creation and reconstruction" to produce them.

   Taking the photograph was really just the beginning. Using darkness as his ally, it is the print that makes the difference to his representations. "A negative means nothing for my kind of photographer." "It's the artist's proof that counts."

   Here are my favorite photographic images in the book:

   Notre-Dame, c. 1930-32

   The Pont Neuf, c. 1932

   The Viaduc d'Auteiul, 1932

   The Baker, c. 1930-32

   Public Urinals, c. 1932

   For a Detective Story, 1931-32

   The Big Night at Longchamp, July 1937

   False Sky, 1934-35

   Nudes of 1934

   Matches, c. 1930

   Picasso, His Studio and Works, 1932-46

   Montmartre, c. 1935-37

   Metro Pillar, 1934 (you will see a man's face in the shadow of the pillar)

   Odalisque Transmutation, 1934/1967 (this is clearly influenced by Picasso)

   The essays in the book are excellent. I especially liked Alain Sayag's comparison of his work to Chinese painting.

   I also learned a lot about his life. Like many famous photographers he had to earn a living by doing more commercial work. These images often were done on his own time, late at night. Interestingly, many great photographic images were created in only 1-3 takes. In part, this reflected his poverty.

   Actually, he had earlier earned a living from writing about France for German newspapers. The Depression began to cut off that source of funds, and photography was taken up in part to supplement his income. By selling the story and the images, he could get paid a little more. He also worked for Harper's Bazaar taking photographs by day for many years.

   The text also contains many selections from what Henry Miller and he had to say about each other and their long-term friendship. This emphasizes "seeing only what is."

   My appreciation of the photography was improved by seeing his drawings and sculptures. Clearly influenced by prehistoric and primitive art, many of these images look like fertility gods. His women are all bottom. From these, I could understand his graffiti photographs of images that could literally have come from the caves at Lescaux. So in looking for the "reality" Brassai was reaching deeper into our ancient psyches than other photographers before and since.

   I came away very much more interested in Brassai, as I am sure you will be.

   After you finish consider Brassai, I suggest you ask yourself how you could add more dimensions of expression to your personal life. What can you share that is both "real" and important for others? How can you best accomplish that?

   Au revoir.

No comments about The French Antilles.

5 comments about Paris Interiors = Interieurs Parisiens: Interieurs Parisiens (Single Jumbos).

1. As a creative director, I've found this book to be very inspiring. Great photographic studies of Paris' most stylish homes (some owned by the famous, some are not) drip from these pages. Huge full-page and sometimes double-page images, printed on nice thick semi-matte stock, draw you right in. Like her book on Provence, its a great escape into another world. If you are a student of the esthetic, you will love it! PS. The cover is coffee-table ready too.



2. I don't actually own this book; I found it by chance in my college's art library. Instantly, I fell in love with it's straight-forward photography. I have been renewing it for two months, and it has given me boundless inspiration for decorating my new apartment. This book is a jewelbox of decor and interior style. The full-page spreads offer tantilizing shots of the personal apartments of Parisian society-- both of the known and unknown; of large dimensions and of miniscule-- expousing beautiful decor that only a Parisian could pull off. Junk shop havens, classical boudoirs, catch-all collecting dens, and the odd moderne loft-- each interior is a true joy to see. Read, view, and enjoy and be inspired.



3. If you are looking for a picture book of Parisian interiors to inspire your decorating, this will work very well. I am constantly searching for books like this--which are full of illustations of those interior details which seem to be uniquely Parisian. Every page is illustrated with photographs and includes just enough commentary to keep it interesting without getting descriptively heavy. This is definitely a pictoral reference/beautiful parlour table book.



4. I own this book, Morroccan Interiors, Provance Interiors and Seaside Interiors. I will eventually own the whole lot of them. Why-- the books are a marvelous look into the interiors of people who are most rarely interior designers. They are artists, old people, young people, even gypsy caravans are given their due. I have gleaned better decorating ideas from these books than any "decorating" magazine or book. There was a story about letting the person who just moved from your apartment help you place your furniture as you move it- they know what fits where from their expericance. This and these books are great for "just making sense" in a vairety of gorgeous settings documented in gorgeous full color photos.



5. Of all of my interior design and style books this is one of my VERY favorites... I sink into my favorite chair with this book again and again. I just love it! Wether you prefer old world style or sleek modern this book has it all (but far from ordinary!)... lots of inspiration with LOTS of gorgeous photos. A treat for your eyes whatever your taste!

1 comments about Bordeaux: How to Find Great Wines Off the Beaten Track (Discovering Wine Country).

1. Waldin's knowledge of his subject is immense but conveyed with an ease.
   
   He is clearly no stooge to the grand marques and is forthright in his opinions without being pompous.
   
   Whether you're a wine lover or merely someone that loves the countryside, this book is really all you'll need for a terrific week in Bordeaux.

1 comments about Walk & Talk: Paris (Walk & Talk).

1. Loved using this series in Italy and it was perfect for Paris as well. Walking through the streets with an audio guide and maps in hand, after listening to the accompaning language CD was great. Highly recommend this program.

No comments about A Traveller's History of France (The Traveller's Histories).