Synopses & Reviews
Paris and London have long held a mutual fascination, and never more so than in the period from 1700 to 1914, when each vied to be
the worlds greatest city. Each city has been the focus of countless books, yet here Jonathan Conlin explores the complex relationship between them for the first time. The reach and influence of both cities was such that the story of their rivalry has global implications. By borrowing, imitating and learning from each other, Paris and London invented the modern metropolis.
Tales of Two Cities examines and compares six urban spacesthe street, the cemetery, the apartment, the restaurant, the underworld and the music hallthat defined urban modernity in the nineteenth century. The citizens of Paris and London first created these essential features of the modern cityscape and, in doing so, defined urban living for all of us.
Review
'Full of unexpected facts
Conlins case studies of possible cultural exchange are both concise and entertaining.'
New York Times Book ReviewSynopsis
Paris and London have long held a mutual fascination, and never more so than in the period 1750-1914, when they vied to be the world's greatest city. Each city has been the focus of many books, yet Jonathan Conlin here explores the complex relationship between them for the first time. The reach and influence of both cities was such that the story of their rivalry has global implications. By borrowing, imitating and learning from each other Paris and London invented the true metropolis.
Tales of Two Cities examines and compares five urban spaces--the pleasure garden, the cemetery, the apartment, the restaurant and the music hall--that defined urban modernity in the nineteenth century. The citizens of Paris and London first created these essential features of the modern cityscape and so defined urban living for all of us.
About the Author
Jonathan Conlin was born in New York and later moved to Britain, where he studied history at Oxford. He went on to do graduate work at the Courtauld Institute and Cambridge, and now teaches at the University of Southampton. His books include
The Nations Mantelpiece and
Civilisation.