How Paris Became Paris

How Paris Became Paris chronicles the transformation of the French capital from a medieval city into a modern metropolis during the 17th century. The book examines key innovations in urban planning, architecture, and social life that shaped Paris between 1600-1700. DeJean documents specific developments that revolutionized city living, including the first sidewalks, street lighting, public transportation, shopping districts, and residential bridges. The narrative connects these physical changes to evolving cultural practices around fashion, leisure, commerce, and public gathering. The author draws from extensive primary sources including architectural plans, police records, personal letters, and period literature to reconstruct daily life in 17th century Paris. Maps, illustrations and period artwork supplement the historical documentation. This urban history reveals how Paris pioneered many elements of modern city life that would later spread throughout Europe and beyond. The book demonstrates the links between physical infrastructure, social behavior, and the emergence of urban culture as we know it today.

Readers praise DeJean's detailed research into Paris's 17th-century urban innovations like streetlights, sidewalks, bridges, and public spaces. Many note the book offers fresh perspectives on how infrastructure and social changes transformed Paris into a modern city. Readers liked: - Clear connections between physical changes and social impact - Focus on lesser-known historical figures and women's roles - Maps and illustrations that support the text - Accessibility for non-academic readers Common criticisms: - Writing can be repetitive - Some sections move slowly with excessive detail - Limited coverage of working class/poor perspectives - Several readers wanted more maps/visuals Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (280+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "DeJean shows how urban planning creates culture, not just the other way around" (Goodreads reviewer) Critical comment: "Too much focus on the elite perspective while claiming to be about all Parisians" (Amazon reviewer)

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🌟 Prior to the 17th century innovations described in this book, most European cities were dark mazes of unpaved streets with no sidewalks, public transportation, or street lighting. 🗼 The Pont Neuf, completed in 1607, was revolutionary not just as a bridge, but as Paris's first great public space - it included wide sidewalks and benches where people could gather and socialize regardless of social class. 🏛️ The Place des Vosges, built between 1605-1612, was Europe's first planned residential square and established a model that would be copied across the continent, including London's famous squares. 💫 The book challenges the common belief that Baron Haussmann's 19th-century renovations made Paris the first modern city, showing instead that Paris pioneered urban planning innovations two centuries earlier. 🎭 Author Joan DeJean is a trustee professor at the University of Pennsylvania and has written extensively about 17th and 18th century France, with numerous books exploring French cultural history and innovation.