5 comments about Above Paris.

1. Really, it is rather rare and pleasant to come across the books devoted to aerial photos of Paris. I have only one more. And it is twice pleasant to have such a solid and interesting book. Besides it contains good and well done photos, this book is intersting because you have the chance to compare Paris of 80-s and present Paris if you have been there. If not - no way, it will help you to get more about Paris when you'll have the chance.



2. This is a stellar exploration of Paris and its environs via aerial photographs. Armed with a map and this book, you can take a wonderful tour of Paris from a bird's-eye perspective, becoming familiar with the layout of the city, the location of the most famous spots in relation to other structures, and a feel for how the city is built around the various physical landmarks, including hills and the waterways. There is also a wealth of photographs from the surrounding areas of Paris.

   The photographs are of the greatest imaginable clarity, with a wealth of detail in every picture. Although it is possible to flip through the book, the best approach is to take it and carefully study each picture, teasing out all the details that each one can reveal. I will confess that I have never been to Paris, but thanks to studying this as well as other books enabling one to study the layout of the city, I honestly believe that I could negotiate between the landmarks if I were suddenly plopped down in the center of the city.

   I have only two complaints with the book. First, the first section of the book features both historical and modern views of the same areas. I would have liked to see a lot more of that. For me, these were by far the most interesting photos in the book, and I wouldn't have minded if this constituted the bulk of the book. Second, while the pictures are of the highest imaginable quality, most were taken from approximately the same elevation. If one compares the photographs here to those in Jan Morris's OVER EUROPE, you will find in the latter a much greater variation in elevation. In the Morris book, they were able to many instances to use a remote control balloon with a camera to get much, much lower than Cameron was in this volume. Pierre Salinger's intro details some of the difficulties they had in getting permission for low-level photographs. Minor quibbles, but I do believe that more variety in the book would have increased its attractiveness and value.




3. All I can say is Wow, Mr. Cameron is such a talent, people just have no idea the skill it takes to get photographs of this quality, much less hanging out of a helicopter. I love Paris and this book lets you see the hidden gardens and the wonderful lay out of this singular city. Paris has NEVER looked so good, and eventhough this book was first published in the late 80's the photographs still capture the present city, after all Paris, thank heaven, does not change that much, that is a big part of her charm. Though she ages she never really shows her age, she is truly eternal. I highly recommend this book, it is just quite frankly unparalleled.



4. Every time i open this book, it draws me in. The clarity of the photos is amazing! The superb images are shot from the perfect height so that they provide a panoramic view, while still allowing you to glimpse tiny architectural details like balconies and awnings. This beautiful, unique book is the perfect preparation for a trip to Paris, as it will help you create a mental map of the city - but it's a wonderful post-trip souvenir, too. If you have even a passing interest in Paris, this book is a must-buy!



5. As you would expect from the "Above Blank" city series, this is an updated version of "Above Paris". It is slightly larger in format than the previous version, and includes the Pyramid entrance to the Louve, and all the new sites like La Bastille opera house. If you have ever been to Paris, this is a MUST. If you are thinking of going, you will buy it when you return!

5 comments about Frommer's Paris Day by Day (Frommer's Day by Day).

1. I bought the book thinking it would help me make the most of 3 days in Paris. On net, I would say it added very little. The section on Monmartre was useful -- most of the rest not very. As much as I hate to say it, Rick Steves does a much better job in helping one make the most of their time in Paris. In addition, some of Christi's picks were just bizarre. For example, if you had two days in Paris, the gastronomic capital of the world, why would you make one of your meals a falafel sandwich, no matter how good it was.



2. If you have researched your Paris trip but you don't want to lug around your travel books on your trip, I would get this book. It is small, light, user friendly but it not all inclusive. I read Let's Go Paris, Lonely Planet and Frommer's prior to my trip so I have a general idea of what I want to do already. I'm taking this book with me so I have the locations of museums, metro stops, and restaurants that I might want to check out.



3. My wife and I spent 3 days in Paris based on this book's recommendation. I'll guarantee you...you will get lost on your 2nd day, and you'll be bored to death on your 3rd day unless if you enjoy shopping over sightseeing. Here is my advice...Do not spend too much time wasting at unknown (less-known) places like what this book is recommending.



4. This guide is the right size (I carried it in my pocket) and gave me all the info that I needed for a great trip. I particularly loved the walking tours through the many "neighborhoods" outlined in Paris - and the guide gave me info on a lot of "off the beaten path" shops, stores, restaurants and attractions. It had good, solid current Metro information - and it's tips on cheap travel in and out of Paris (I stayed by CDG airport) saved me about twenty euros a day in train cost. I would highly recommend this guide (and I am sure I will use it again).



5. I zone out when I read dozens of restaurant and hotel descriptions in other guides, so I found this book to be really refreshing. Is it comprehensive? No. Which is just as well, since Paris is constantly changing anyway. I appreciated the walking tour ideas, especially the fact that it includes an estimate of the time it takes to get from stop to stop. I don't like to make strict travel plans or be weighed down by big guidebooks, so I found the walking tours, as well as the themed tours (Romantic Paris, Art Lovers Paris etc.) very helpful and I loved the fact that I could stash it in my purse to consult the Metro map when I needed to. It was easy to use the book as a starting point and then start exploring on your own. I actually read this series of books before other guidebooks now to get my imagination going when I'm preparing for a trip. I'd totally recommend this one for someone who's interested in soaking up the city.

No comments about Frommer's Portable Paris 2008 (Frommer's Portable).

5 comments about A Writer's Paris.

1. After reading Eric's wonderful book Sleep Thinking & having my writing improve a millionfold because of it, I joined Eric's Yahoo!Group newsletter. He's talked about this book. It didn't do a "thing" for me because I really hate Paris. But his other books have helped sooo much, I keep reading his newsletter.
   
   His latest one said:
   
   >>When an editor buys a book from you that in her mind is in the inspirational" category, it can be decidedly hard for you to slip material into the book that is controversial and meaty.
   
   Although A Writer's Paris is an "inspirational book," in the sense that it is meant to inspire you to go to Paris and write, I also wanted to talk about class and privilege, religious opposition to scientific thought, and other "non-inspirational" matters. I tucked in several such essays and wondered how many would make the final cut.
   
   Some of these meaty essays made it into the book and some did not. ...
   
   I am pleased that pieces like Privilege and the Place Vendome, Gay Mayors, and Darwin's Wife made it into the finished product.<<
   
   To me, those "meaty essays" sound like they are talking about what Fiction is really all about.
   
   I just wish all of them had been included.
   
   Maybe Eric will write a "meaty essays" book someday.



2. A Writer's Paris proves inspirational, whether or not you're planning to go to Paris or if you've already visited the city where many artists go to create. Not only does Maisel describe life as a writer on a Paris sojourn, but also the activities for a writer to do for inspiration.
   
   Substitute the places in Paris for the ones in your hometown or country you plan to visit to write. While the book has recommendations for places to stay, along with a planning checklist, information on where to go, and other resources, its content provides plenty of inspiration and ideas that work anywhere.
   
   While the book's purpose is to encourage writers to take a Sabbatical in Paris, it also easily inspires and motivates readers to create more and writer better. Maisel happens to use Paris as the central location for the book's theme taking time-out for deep exploration for writing. Paris or no Paris -- writers can glean many things from this original book.
   
   Topics include writing books in three weeks, taking the bad with the good, practicing the art of strolling, dealing with and appreciating the absurd, making the cafe a home, overcoming barriers, engaging your senses, and more. The writing is superb and flows lyrically with the illustrations adding the feeling of going on a journey while reading the book.



3. In a rare combination of travelogue and writer's guide, Maisel speaks directly to every writer who values calm surroundings as well as a calm state of mind in order to write. Part tour guide, and part writing coach, Maisel takes the reader on the journey he promises in the subtitle.



4. I must admit to purchasing this because Danny Gregory did some of the illustrations. That said, as I read I became intrigued with what I could learn about my own compulsion, and sometimes strong commitment, to painting. Although the star of this show seems to be Paris, the lessons about turning away from other preoccupations and just getting to it, no matter where you are, can be applied to any location. Instilling discipline in a routine, albeit one that is wrapped in time and self-permission, is a strong central message. I liked the practicality of many suggestions and the devil-may-care attitude of others.



5. To follow in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and F. Scott Fitzgerald.... in Paris ... a how-to guide for those bent on a Gaullist literary retreat into the city that spawned many literary masterpieces. Don't forget the cigarettes, the lattes, and of course ... your French Berlitz language book.

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Paris (Unofficial Guides).

1. The Unofficial guide to Paris (UGP) is an excellent resource on the everyday logistics of getting around a major city. We purchased several books once we'd decided to visit France: of course, the Michelin Red guide, Frommer's Guide to France, Fodor's Paris CityPack, and then my husband brought this home as a "flyer" (we'd never used an Unofficial Guide before). Fodor's turned out to be not so useful - they included what I thought was a great Paris map but it basically disintegrated in 2 days into our trip. I immediately followed advice from the UGP and purchased a Plan de Paris - much easier to use and more detail. Frommer's Guide was very useful for finding hotels and restaurants in the Loire Valley (also part of our itinerary). But I didn't bring that book with me. The UGP provided incredible amounts of info on how to make this wonderful city very easy to navigate at reasonable prices and to enjoy with a minimum amount of tourist angst. We found the reviews for restaurants and hotels pretty much on the mark. Frommer's gave the Carte Visite an ever-so-brief mention and never mentioned (that I found) the Carte des Musees. Both these coupons saved us tons on time and money. My recommendation to future travelers to Paris would be to buy the UGP and the Michelin guide and then go to the library for other refs.



2. I just got back from Paris and I was tempted to burn this book when I got back. The shopping section was awful - we wasted an entire day in Paris based on their suggestions. For example, they tout the BVH department store. What we discovered when we got there? A Sears/Ikea combo. If you think that's worth your precious time, then go ahead and go.
   
   If you need a good guidebook - get the Rick Steves one.



3. I have loved the Unofficial Guide series ever since I bought my first one for a trip to Disneyworld. I love the star ratings that are provided for different age groups. So many travel guides promote every attraction evenly, which is not much help when you are planning a trip for two adults and two grade schoolers. Using the Unofficial Guides, I list all the attractions that are 4 stars or more for the ages in my family, and work from there.
   
   As for this particular UG-Paris book, it contained the usual high-quality UG advice. It was very useful as I decided on a hotel and decide how to structure my visit to the Louvre. I only wish I had been able to visit more of the parks that were recommended.
   
   I bought a couple of travel guides for the trip, but this is the one that I packed in my suitcase. To me, that says a lot.



4. I guess it depends what you are looking for in a guide. If it's information about sites than look elsewhere. Even the heavy sites of Paris only get a page or so. This book is heavy on background info and is aimed at the American tourist. This book did not help me at all on my trip.



5. I enjoyed reading this book. Not only is it full of lots of helpful information but it is written in a way that makes it easy and fun to read. I appreciate the practical advice that isn't found in some of the other guides. I highly recommend this book!

1 comments about Hedonist's Guide To Paris 1st Edition (Hedonist's Guide to..., A).

1. I have utilized the Hedonist's Guides for a couple of years now. They are a must have for a sophisticated traveler, especially the 20-somethings/young professionals that are accustom to knowing where the cool spots are at home and wanting the same experience when they are traveling. Restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and even cafes/pubs - this guide has it covered.
   
   Case in point---this weekend, I was in Paris with two Parisians meeting up for some drinks on Friday night. Their original plans were foiled (private party) so we began looking for alternatives. Having lived in Paris for a month and using the Hedonist's Guide as my Bible, I threw out a few suggestions I remembered from the Paris guide. Needless to say, the Parisians were skeptical taking recommendations from an American. Regardless, we ended up going to two of the places, Le Fumoir and Kong, and they were both great. We were dancing on the couches at Kong until closing time. I have since been praised for knowing more about the hip places in Paris than two locals. I am not sure a guide can get a higher compliment. Bravo!

5 comments about Knopf MapGuide: Paris (Knopf Citymap Guides).

1. I find this series very helpful when I travel. they're small enough carry around and accurate/detailed enough to actually be helpful. A great design



2. Well OK, not lives, but it made a first time visit to Paris in June 2007 even more wonderful than it already was!
   
   We went to Paris as a family group of eight as the last part of a trip that also included Madrid and Barcelona.
   
   This book and its companion edition on Barcelona were extremely helpful and up to date. The beginning overview easily segues into the separate detail maps of different sections of the city. They are large enough to show street level detail in print large enough to be read without reading glasses. They are easily read in dim light, stiff enough to be read in a breeze and small enough to be somewhat covert (that is, it isn't obvious to everyone within a block that you don't know where you are). The metro and train maps at the back are accurate and a real helpful and thoughtful addition to each book.
   
   The entries on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and music were well written, accurate and up to date. We did not encounter listed places that were out of business or at great variance as to price.



3. I absolutely love this guidebook. Its format is extremely convenient: small enough to fit in a purse or a coat pocket, yet detailed enough to provide most of the information you need. The small fold- out maps cover the entire city and are easy to read. There is information about services such as bank opening times. It lists places to stay, shop and eat according to one's budget (the choices are very good) and of course what to see. My very favorite feature is the subway map in back of the book, a must if you want to get around inexpensively and efficiently. I wouldn't dream of going to Paris without it!



4. A handy sized guide to take along in my purse without feeling weighted down. The fold out maps are very nice but I would like to have had just one blank page for writing extra notes!



5. I travel abroad a lot. This is the best style of map guide I have found.
   It's small enough to carry around, but you don't have to open up a full map and figure out how to refold it again while standing in the street.
   The only thing it lacks is street listings.

5 comments about The Cat Who Went to Paris.

1. Norton, is a credit to Scotish Folds. And Mr. Gethers know excatly how fortunate he is in having the most Purr-fect of friends. This a joyful read of a cat who just can't help be lovable, and who loves the people he meets. Apparently some cats do on some level know exactly what's going on.



2. Norton is just the sweetest little Scottish Fold kitten one could ever hope to meet. His folded ears, gentle disposition and loyalty to his owner, Peter Gethers, will astound you. Norton has a puss-in-ality extraordinaire. He trots obediently five steps behind his owner to the market, on the beach, and to visit friends. In a car, he sits perched atop Gethers shoulder and watches life go by. On a ferry ride, he puts his paws on the rail and follows the waves. Even Norton's father who is a confirmed "dog-lover, cat-hater" mellows up to the adorable little fellow and they become best friends. Norton even has the ability to help Gethers choose his girlfriends; some Norton likes, others he does not - and emphatically lets Gethers know which ones do not win his approval. Norton is a jet-setter. He accompanies Gethers on trans-continental flights to Paris and many other countries around the world. He dines in luxury at five-star dining establishments, sits in his own chair as if he had just graduated from the most exquisite Swiss finishing school, and enjoys his own fare specially prepared by the chef. However, according to Norton's palate, nothing tops a good can of Pounce!
   
   No one could write a book about a cat in quite the same style and wit as Gethers. Norton is not a work of fiction; he is Gethers feline companion, soul mate and best friend. You will relish Norton's antics and adventures from start to finish. This book is an oldie but one of my all time favourites. If there were a hundred starts in the rating scale, this would shine at one hundred.



3. I found this book at the library yesterday - I'm halfway thru the book. It is hysterical!!! I'm laughing every other page!! This author has a great sense of humor and an excellent writer :) His cat Norton must have been a real sweetie - a Scottish Fold. I've decided to buy myself a copy AND will be buying a copy for 2 of my cat loving friends for Christmas. A great upbeat read! :)



4. Gethers is no Cleveland Amory, and readers who have savored Amory's wonderful CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS will be a little disappointed with this book. The chief problem, for me, is Gethers as a person, not as a writer. He doesn't come off as someone I would like to know. That said, you who travel with your animal companions will be amused and impressed by the way Gethers and the feline Norton gad about. I used to travel around this continent in a van with my cats, and camp or visit cat loving friends - challenge enough! For the seven or so years reported in this book Norton has joined his dad on planes, trains, automobiles, ferries, subways, cross country skis and hikes. He is a seasoned and recognized traveller aboard the Concorde, a pampered favorite in Parisian hotels, a local celebrity on Fire Island, and an office cat in Manhattan. Jet setters take note: 1. always include two folding cardboard cat boxes and two five pound bags of litter in your carry-ons. (One box for the rental car and one for the hotel room.) 2.Paris restaurants not only permit, but encourage the inclusion of well-mannered pets in your dinner group. 3. The rich are not different, they are only annoyingly more so.



5. If you have ever loved a cat, this is the book for you! Norton was definitely one of a kind, and you will be charmed by his adventures. I gave away my first copy of this book and had to buy another so I could reread it! Norton definitely stole my heart!

No comments about Disneyland Paris - The Family Guide.

2 comments about Paris Changing: Revisiting Eugene Atget's Paris.

1. Last summer I saw the Atget exhibit at the Bibliotheque Nationale, which was a marvelous passage through a lost time. This book matches some of those absorbing old photos with photos of the same location taken today. I think it's a fascinating book and I can lose myself in the nuances while comparing the photos. This pasttime may not be to everyone's taste, but I highly recommend the book to thoughtful people who enjoy looking at things.



2. What Berenice Abbott et al did for New York, Atget and Raushenberg have done for Paris.