As we continue to prepare for our trip overseas (less than 2 months to go now!) I am seeking out books about the places we are visiting. I have actually had The Flâneur on my shelves for a while now but it jumped out at me last night when I was looking for something to help get me focused on our trip. In one respect I am a little sad about our time in Paris as we only have 3 nights there and all that I am reading and taking in is making me want to cancel every other part of our trip and just stay there for the whole time! However, I also know I am very lucky to be going there at all so I will take my 3 nights and be happy!
In The Flâneur: A Stroll Through The Paradoxes of Paris, Edmund White takes us to his "secret" Paris - the parts of the city and that stories from its history that may not always be mentioned in mainstream guidebooks.
White introduces the concept of the flâneur as "a stroller, a loiterer, someone who ambles without apparent purpose but is secretly attuned to the history of the streets he walks". With only 3 nights in Paris I am not sure how much "flâneur" behaviour I will be able to indulge in - but I would like to think I could give it a try!
Now my knowledge of French history, people and language is very limited, some would say non existent (especially regarding the language) so I am sure that some of what White writes about goes above and beyond me. Having said that though I really enjoyed this book and the journey through Paris that it takes you on. White has divided the book into 6 chapters each one focusing on an element of the city and its history that White has found significant to his experience of Paris and its people. There is a chapter on the multicultural society of the city, gay Paris, Jewish Paris, the royalist tradition and the writers and artists that have called Paris home. There is also a really comprehensive section at the end of the book suggesting further reading in each of these areas.
That sounds fun. I've not been to Paris but I'd love to read that if I was going. I love to read books about or set in the places I visit (and where I live) - it's nice being able to have a real setting for one's imagination.
ReplyDeleteVirginia Woolf wrote about the concept of the flâneur too, I think in essay form.
ReplyDeleteI visited Paris a few years ago but only for a few days too; it's enough time to see and experience Paris but I would love to go back soon.
sounds like an interesting read. I remember coming across that term when I was studying for my MA, but never really delving into anything further, aside from its meaning. this book sounds like something that I would mind reading, especially because I have always wanted to go to Paris and it should provide me with a nice little taste of it. I hope you have a fab time in Paris (I'm sure you will!) and are able to be a bit flaneurish when you are there! Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteHi Verity - I'm exactly the same - I love to read books about all sorts of different places. In a way it is like being able to visit without actually going there!
ReplyDeleteHi Paperback Reader - I will have to keep an eye out by the Woolf piece.
Hi Nadia - I had never heard of the term before picking up this book but I'm in love with it now! I'm not usually laid back enough to engage in flaneur behaviour but I will give it a go!
I do that too - love to read books set in places I plan to visit. This book sounds lovely. I was just mentioning French Milk by Lucy Knisley - it's a travelouge but told via pictures and drawings - about Lucy's time in Paris.
ReplyDeleteHi Iliana - I have just checked out Lucy's website and she sounds really funny - and her drawings are very clever, I will have to keep an eye out for French Milk. I also wanted to thank you for my gorgeous journal which arrived yesterday - thank you so much - I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis book has sit on my shelf for quite a while as well. Don't forget to stroll around the river where you will find a cluster of bookstores. Even if you just walk around aimlessly, Paris still charms! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Matt - thanks for the tip!!
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