Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

It's Franck...
What a subject! What a terrible book!

At first I thought it was a bad translation. But no, the French version is just as disjointed, poorly edited and nearly unreadable as the English version.

just two examples from among the many:
1: Franck recounts an auction, noting that Picasso kept his silence throughout the auction. We later learn that Picasso wasn't there... so, did he keep quiet? or did he stay away?

2: We get a detailed account of Arthur Cravan's boxing exhibition with Jack Johnson, after which, Mr. Frank notes: "Jack Johnson never stepped into the ring again." Of course, he meant Cravan, but that"s not what he said. In fact, the entire book is like that.

An author, by the way, is responsible for reading own proofs, so the faults of editing are the faults of the author.....

As I said the topic is fantatic, and when I could sift through the author's drivel, I found it interesting, though he probably provides more information about Solomon and Max Jacob than I would like and not enough about some of Picasso's mistresses, which I think would have been interesting...

Ah, Franck est francais... what else can i say??

VIVID WORD PICTURES OF A SIGNIFICANT ERA
Part fiction, part art history, Bohemian Paris is a fascinating read.How can it be otherwise when the pages are inhabited by such colorful figures as Picasso. Modigliani, Jean Cocteau, Henri Matisse, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein?

Franck, the author of 15 books, escorts readers on a wide-screen tour of magical Paris during a period of30 years, 1900 - 1930.That was a time of new birth in the world of artistic creation when painters, sculptors, writers, and versifiers struggled to covey revolutionary ideas and images.Some of these creators were feted at opulent, devil-may care galas while others worked in the direst poverty.

Learned and repressed poet Guillaume Apollinaire hovered on the periphery of this circle; Jean Cocteau might trip a friend to advance himself but how brilliant he was!Amedeo Modigliani gave to others when he had naught for himself; Gertrude Stein presided over her unparalleled salons.

And from these minds and from that time sprang cubism, Fauvism, dadaism and surrealism.Paris, both public and private, sizzled with creativity.

With Bohemian Paris author Franck has painted vivid word pictures of that significant era and collected numerous vignettes about the private lives of those who dramatically influenced art as we now know it.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Book Description
Whip smart, stylish and bang up-to-date, the Avant-Guide series is the vanguard of a new generation of guidebooks for travelers who have outgrown backpacks and shoestring budgets, but are too young for hermetically-sealed tour buses.

Avant-Guide books are packed with straightforward reviews from insiders who wouldn't dream of counseling readers to "pack a rain poncho" or "wear comfortable shoes." Each Avant-Guide is comprehensive in scope, detailing museums and neighborhoods as well as stylish hotels, chic shops, and the best restaurants for every budget.

In short, Avant-Guide gives you easy access to the most exciting and stylish facets of the city. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Inspiring, a gem
I have made numerous trips to Paris, armed with several guidebooks, including a Frommers, a Lonely Planet and an Eyewitness, and this is by far my favorite.It's fun to browse through and it makes it easy to find something you want to run out and see.It's a relief to find a guide that's not trying to be an exhaustive list of every possible restaurant, museum or hotel.It has just the right amount of practical info to get you where you want to be and ready for the reality of it when you get there.
Until I used this guidebook I didn't realize that guidebooks are often jammed with too much (boring) information.

The graphics and photos are terrific -none of those grainy 80's pictures of people eating croissants under the Eiffel tower.

Buy an extra copy, because everyone will be borrowing this.
Without a doubt, the best travel guide I've ever used.I've been to Paris many, many times, and this guide led me to places I'd never even heard of. Particular strengths are in the areas of Clubs/Bars & Nightlife, Live Music & offbeat museums (who knew there was a Musee de l'Erotisme?)This book is a great choice for the fun-loving urban traveler.I'd highly recommend purchasing this in conjunction with "Time Out Paris", which is exceptionally good for restaurant recommendations.

Bon voyage!

Crème de la crème
I have an absolute infatuation with Paris.I travel there about once a year and now own over 40 travel guides on Paradise, err, I mean Paris.This book is my absolute favorite.Sure, the images and layout on the pages are totally hip, but more important so is the information.Anyone who's read a few travel books on Paris knows about FNAC music shop and Virgin Megastore, but through this book, I also learned about Boulinier, Crocodisc, Chez Sanchez, Monster Melodies, La Silence de la Rue, and Parallèles, which all specialize in a focused area of music.I discovered some incredible boutiques that I've never seen listed elsewhere.A few sights are mainstream (how can one visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe?) but what makes this book unique is the listing of sights, restaurants, and shops that are totally cool that I haven't seen elsewhere.And if you want up-to-the-minute changes to the text, one simply travels no farther than their website.The book also has a "bite" -- raw, honest opinions.One problem with my book, however.I have read it and carried it around so often that my copy is getting quite tattered.For anyone with a true sense of adventure or who wants to explore some unique French spots where you won't encounter dozens of other tourists, this is your book.

Not just hip, it delivers on the goods
I've read every kind of guidebook, from Let's Go in the 1980's to Lonely Planet in the 90's and this refreshing addition to the multitude is just the answer for the young (and not so young) adventurous traveller. The graphic design is fun and reveals a smart editor - hire a good graphic designer. The writing is witty and irreverant at times - perfect for those who seek a good experience without the hype. The maps are inadequate - but who travels with one guidebook these days anyway? That's what tourist maps are for.

I particularily liked the photographs, certainly not your average "Gee, here we are in front of the Eifel Tower" standard fare. They capture everything you dream Paris would be: classy, cutting edge and just plain gorgeous. The writing gets to the point quickly with all the necessary facts, yet does allow for some subjectivity that I found refreshing both before our trip and during our stay.

Buy this book if you're a repeat visitor to Paris and looking for another experience beyond the three day quickie when you have barely enough time to see the big league sites. The nightlife and eating sections are worth the price alone. Sure, we carried our Michelin Green Guide because we're architects and enjoy knowing the details, but for a cover to cover guidebook, this is the best yet. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Samuel J. May Anti-Slavery Collection ... Read more