Includes bibliographical references (pages 428-436) and index

Foreword by Maurice Druon -- Preface -- Note on money -- Introduction : From Caesar to Abelard -- Age One 1180-1314 : Philippe Auguste -- Sunday at Bouvines ; Capital city ; Templars' curse -- Age two 1314-1643 : Henri IV -- Besieged ; Worth a mass ; Regicide, regent and Richelieu -- Age three 1643-1795 : Louis XIV -- Move to Versailles ; Building boom ; Death of the Ancien Regime -- Age four 1795-1815 : Napoleon -- Empire and reform ; Most beautiful city that could ever exist ; Downfall of an empire -- Age five 1815-1871 : Commune -- Constitutional monarchy and revolt ; Second empire ; Annee terrible -- Age six 1871-1940 : Treaty of Versailles -- Belle Epoque ; Great War ; Phoney peace -- Age seven 1940-1969 : De Gaulle -- Occupation ; I was France ; Jours de Mai -- Epilogue : Death in Paris--the Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Traces the development of Paris from the twelfth century to the mid-twentieth century, identifying seven key periods in the city's history

In this luminous portrait of Paris, celebrated historian Alistair Horne gives us the history, culture, disasters, and triumphs of one of the world's truly great cities. Horne makes plain that while Paris may be many things, it is never boring. From the rise of Philippe Auguste through the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIV (who abandoned Paris for Versailles); Napoleon's rise and fall; Baron Haussmann's rebuilding of Paris (at the cost of much of the medieval city); the Belle Epoque and the Great War that brought it to an end; the Nazi Occupation, the Liberation, and the postwar period dominated by de Gaulle--Horne brings the city's highs and lows, savagery and sophistication, and heroes and villains splendidly to life. With a keen eye for the telling anecdote and pivotal moment, he portrays an array of vivid incidents to show us how Paris endures through each age, is altered but always emerges more brilliant and beautiful than ever. The Seven Ages of Paris is a great historian's tribute to a city he loves and has spent a lifetime learning to know. - Publisher

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