Book Summary –
Seven Ages of Paris is a sweeping historical narrative that traces the evolution of Paris from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century. Alistair Horne divides the city’s rich and turbulent history into seven “ages,” each marked by dramatic transformations in politics, architecture, culture, and society. The book explores Paris under influential rulers such as Philippe Auguste, Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Charles de Gaulle, showing how their ambitions and conflicts shaped the city’s identity. Horne highlights major events—wars, revolutions, artistic flourishing, and urban redesigns—while painting a vivid picture of everyday life across centuries. Blending storytelling with deep historical insight, the book celebrates Paris as a living organism that has repeatedly reinvented itself, becoming one of the world’s most iconic and culturally vibrant cities.
About the Author –
Sir Alistair Horne (1925–2017) was a distinguished British historian, journalist, and biographer known for his engaging narratives and expert understanding of European, particularly French, history. Educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, he authored numerous acclaimed works, including studies on the French Revolution, the Algerian War, and influential political figures. Horne was admired for combining scholarly research with accessible, compelling storytelling, making complex historical periods understandable and lively. Knighted for his contribution to historical literature, he remains recognized as one of the most insightful English-language historians of France.
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