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Paris: The Collected Traveler: An Inspired Anthology and Travel Resource
Each edition of this unique series marries a collection of previously published essays with detailed practical information, creating a colorful and deeply absorbing pastiche of opinions and advice. Each book is a valuable resource -- a compass of sorts -- pointing vacationers, business travelers, and readers in many directions. Going abroad with a Collected Traveler edition is like being accompanied by a group of savvy and observant friends who are intimately familiar with your destination.
This edition on Paris
Distinguished writers, such as Mavis Gallant, Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Herbert Gold, Olivier Bernier, Richard Reeves, Patricia Wells, Catharine Reynolds, and Gerald Asher, who share seductive pieces about Parisian neighborhoods, personalities, the Luxembourg Gardens, Père-Lachaise and other monuments, restaurants and wine bars, le Plan de Paris, and le Beaujolais Nouveau.
Annotated bibliographies for each section with recommendations for related readings.
An A-Z "renseignements pratiques" (practical information) section covering everything from accommodations, marches aux puces (flea markets), and money to telephones, tipping, and the VAT.
Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the Collected Traveler books are indispensable, and meant to be the first volumes you turn to when planning your journeys.
This edition on Paris
Distinguished writers, such as Mavis Gallant, Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Herbert Gold, Olivier Bernier, Richard Reeves, Patricia Wells, Catharine Reynolds, and Gerald Asher, who share seductive pieces about Parisian neighborhoods, personalities, the Luxembourg Gardens, Père-Lachaise and other monuments, restaurants and wine bars, le Plan de Paris, and le Beaujolais Nouveau.
Annotated bibliographies for each section with recommendations for related readings.
An A-Z "renseignements pratiques" (practical information) section covering everything from accommodations, marches aux puces (flea markets), and money to telephones, tipping, and the VAT.
Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the Collected Traveler books are indispensable, and meant to be the first volumes you turn to when planning your journeys.
624 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2000
49 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 10, 2013
I'm still not sure just what to think of this book. I read/speak fluent French, I've translated from both modern and middle French and published in peer-reviewed journals about the French language, which is to say, I know the nation, the language, the people—and Paris, I do know Paris. That stated, I have to feel Ms. Kerper and the authors she's selected in this anthology miss or skip over much of what makes contemporary Paris really great and unique. She claims to offer a insider's nuanced view of the city via a collection of varied essays and out-takes by people who have lived there, yet you get a lot of the typical wine-romance-quaint type of stereotypes we have of Paris and the French in America. She offers us nothing on the street-art and skateboarding scene of Paris, or many other vital subcultural forces. Instead she gives us:
—Really too many essays and interviews from the same people over and over. Greater diversity of contributors would have been a better approach.
—Too much on food, and too little variety in that, really.
—Her interviews with people who have contributed essays fawn over these writers too much and don't ask enough questions about Paris but too many questions about the person being interviewed, their latest cookbook, or whatever. At times this book really feels like the editor just tapped her (very impressive) social circle for essays and they're all sitting around at Le Relais Gascon toasting each other about the new book. That doesn't tell us enough about Paris, I'm sorry.
—The American expat views are limited to the trite aspects of things such as "are the French really that rude?" or "gosh, they do this and that sooooo differently than us Americans! Their post offices alone are like something from Mars!". I'd rather have had impressions of a first-time visitor to the Four Seasons George V about the beautiful, nearly insane, floral displays or the experience of spending an afternoon shopping the Rue Keller for animé and new sneakers.
However, there are some gems to be found here: the pieces by Catherine Reynolds are engaging if also following pretty expected paths and the chapter on maps of Paris is worth its weight in gold. Indeed, the ample bibliography on books about Paris and France is probably worth the price of this anthology in and of itself.
I just bought Kerper's Istanbul: the Collected Traveler and so far, it's a little bit better, if for no reason than it's more difficult to get trite essays on Istanbul than Paris, I guess. Is the Paris book worth buying? Probably. But it could have been a lot better. It is not, as the editor herself warns, a Lonely Planet type of applied guidebook to wander about the city with, either, and should not be confused with one. It will provide the reader who is also visiting the city with a good enough baseline for explorations and you'll learn something, but it could have been far more diverse instead of playing to what Americans already know of Paris.
—Really too many essays and interviews from the same people over and over. Greater diversity of contributors would have been a better approach.
—Too much on food, and too little variety in that, really.
—Her interviews with people who have contributed essays fawn over these writers too much and don't ask enough questions about Paris but too many questions about the person being interviewed, their latest cookbook, or whatever. At times this book really feels like the editor just tapped her (very impressive) social circle for essays and they're all sitting around at Le Relais Gascon toasting each other about the new book. That doesn't tell us enough about Paris, I'm sorry.
—The American expat views are limited to the trite aspects of things such as "are the French really that rude?" or "gosh, they do this and that sooooo differently than us Americans! Their post offices alone are like something from Mars!". I'd rather have had impressions of a first-time visitor to the Four Seasons George V about the beautiful, nearly insane, floral displays or the experience of spending an afternoon shopping the Rue Keller for animé and new sneakers.
However, there are some gems to be found here: the pieces by Catherine Reynolds are engaging if also following pretty expected paths and the chapter on maps of Paris is worth its weight in gold. Indeed, the ample bibliography on books about Paris and France is probably worth the price of this anthology in and of itself.
I just bought Kerper's Istanbul: the Collected Traveler and so far, it's a little bit better, if for no reason than it's more difficult to get trite essays on Istanbul than Paris, I guess. Is the Paris book worth buying? Probably. But it could have been a lot better. It is not, as the editor herself warns, a Lonely Planet type of applied guidebook to wander about the city with, either, and should not be confused with one. It will provide the reader who is also visiting the city with a good enough baseline for explorations and you'll learn something, but it could have been far more diverse instead of playing to what Americans already know of Paris.
June 9, 2012
I've catalogued this under 'read', because there isn't a shelf for 'really can't be arsed'.
It's thicker than a Bible, and weighs well over a kilo...so it's neither a book to walk around Paris reading, nor even to be lightly considered as hand-baggage on the flight there.
Plus it's mind-bogglingly boring. I suppose it's a compendium of all the relatively-unsung articles about the city that could be found. The 'further reading' pages (thicker than most actual guides to the city) are, I assume, an exercise in irony.
Basically, it's a book either for people who'd rather read about the place than have the bother of going there, or for those who want to congratulate themselves for never having even considered the journey.
Fairly awful, in other words.
It's thicker than a Bible, and weighs well over a kilo...so it's neither a book to walk around Paris reading, nor even to be lightly considered as hand-baggage on the flight there.
Plus it's mind-bogglingly boring. I suppose it's a compendium of all the relatively-unsung articles about the city that could be found. The 'further reading' pages (thicker than most actual guides to the city) are, I assume, an exercise in irony.
Basically, it's a book either for people who'd rather read about the place than have the bother of going there, or for those who want to congratulate themselves for never having even considered the journey.
Fairly awful, in other words.
July 23, 2011
Something about the title, I went into this book not expecting it to be an enjoyable read. I thought it would be more stuffy, less inviting; instead, it absolutely makes you yearn to return to Paris if you've been and probably pack your bags if you haven't. There are so many little tips and tidbits that one would never find in any guidebook, yet if you've never been and are looking for a guidebook, this is not the one to find your way to the Metro by - it is, however, one to make you smile at the its current nickname le dodo. Its one of those books to read before you go, and then when packing your sensible guidebooks you think you can't go without it, so you add it and when your luggage is too heavy, you realize its not one of the tossable things. I liked it. Je t'aime Paris!
November 8, 2017
A set of essays almost all by some American women writers who have lived in Paris for many years. They each finds a niche of topic to write about, mixing in each's own personal stories, personal liking, and references to other books. This book is perhaps good for casual readers who will leisurely live in Paris for a year or more, but not a systematic reference for usual travelers-- too many passages centering around words 'I', 'my', and 'me', which stand between them and information they intend to find, if such information indeed exists in the book.
May 4, 2013
I feel as if I've actually GONE to Paris after reading this book! :) Definitely a must-read. It does what any good book is supposed to do: it makes you appreciate the beauty in small things. It makes you savor life.
May 8, 2017
This book is an absolute treasure trove.
Whether you are an armchair traveller, a seasoned sojourner, or wistfully wishing for a season in Paris, then this is THE Paris book. It is the best place to start when planning a trip, and would be an essential companion for dipping in and out of whilst in Paris.
I must admit to being a bit of a factoid-monger myself, and Ms Keppner's disarmingly honest account of her own proclivities (even to the extent that her husband must make sure his friend is in Paris when they travel together because Barrie drives him a bit nuts!!!) is really nice.
The bibliographies after each section are fantastic and will provide a rich diet (and many library visits!). I let Ms Keppner help me choose the next guide books. Her reviews of general guide books are most helpful, and so far have accorded with my preferences in all but one case.
Whether you are an armchair traveller, a seasoned sojourner, or wistfully wishing for a season in Paris, then this is THE Paris book. It is the best place to start when planning a trip, and would be an essential companion for dipping in and out of whilst in Paris.
I must admit to being a bit of a factoid-monger myself, and Ms Keppner's disarmingly honest account of her own proclivities (even to the extent that her husband must make sure his friend is in Paris when they travel together because Barrie drives him a bit nuts!!!) is really nice.
The bibliographies after each section are fantastic and will provide a rich diet (and many library visits!). I let Ms Keppner help me choose the next guide books. Her reviews of general guide books are most helpful, and so far have accorded with my preferences in all but one case.
February 11, 2020
Not a travel guide by any means, but rather a delightful collection of essays and articles that give a flavor of the city. Before I travel I like to read up on the place I'm going to enhance my experience once I'm there. After reading this, I was able to see so much more on my trip. (And I'd already been to Paris three times before!) The book provides welcoming context that opens up a rich culture too easily obscured if you just follow a tourist guidebook.
It's thick book, but you can pick and choose the topics and essays that interest you. If you're an avid reader, the curated bibliographies at the end of each chapter are excitingly exhaustive.
It's thick book, but you can pick and choose the topics and essays that interest you. If you're an avid reader, the curated bibliographies at the end of each chapter are excitingly exhaustive.
March 6, 2021
Great sampling of stories of the history, people, food and architecture of Paris. Together, they encapsulate many new ways to see the city. Keep in mind that the book seems to stop mid 2000s and largely reflects the perspective of many North American writers. It is also missing views of a diverse and multicultural Paris. Still, a great fun way to pick across many other subjects of the city. Includes lots of other references to additional books and spots to visit. Part travel guide, part collection of essays.
March 28, 2018
An invaluable asset for planning
I am, at long last, making my first jaunt to the City of Light. And I was beginning to feel quite overwhelmed: having desired and fantasized for so long, the pressure to meet my expectations was crushing. This book balances literary, even spiritual, insight into the city and its surroundings with exceptional practical advice. And the author's knowledge, love, and passion always shine through.
I am, at long last, making my first jaunt to the City of Light. And I was beginning to feel quite overwhelmed: having desired and fantasized for so long, the pressure to meet my expectations was crushing. This book balances literary, even spiritual, insight into the city and its surroundings with exceptional practical advice. And the author's knowledge, love, and passion always shine through.
September 14, 2020
Kerper serves as editor and curator of multiple readings about Paris and France in general, gathered around topics like food, parks, writers, neighborhoods, etc. The diversity of topics and authors gives the reader a well-rounded layout of Paris. Good background for the traveler: even if it's twenty years old, it still holds up quite well.
February 11, 2023
Great guidebook of Paris, to read before planning your trip. It has sections for: neighborhoods, food, art and museums. Well-written essays that impart history, the feel, and practical info about multiple facets of the city. From reading this book, I realized I cannot stay with my family in Montmartre as I had when I traveled alone.
August 29, 2018
Valuable chiefly for the carefully curated bibliographies covering all that's Paris-related. As for the articles included in this collection -- uneven. Quite a few cover niche topics that not too many will find useful (like some of the interviews, for example).
August 3, 2018
An exhaustively researched book summarizing sources on just about anything you would ever want to know about touring Paris.
February 20, 2025
Very useful, but it's a pity it hasn't been updated since. Some of the recomended stores/restuarants/cafes/etc. have since closed since publication, which is a shame!
August 13, 2011
I won this book via a First Reads giveaway. It's really not the kind of book you can read cover-to-cover, and equally not one you'd buy just prior to a trip to Paris to plan your sightseeing, etc. It has been WAY too long since my last visit to Paris - I hope the next one won't be too long in coming. This book seems like it would be best for someone who is already very familiar with Paris or is hoping to become so. Maybe a student spending a year studying there, or someone who has to travel there frequently for work. Basically it's a book that's for someone who wants to (and has time to) dig beneath the surface of the city and really get to know it.
Rather than an exhaustive listing of places to go, things to see, places to stay, places to eat, maps, etc, the book is a huge collection of standalone essays, articles, musings and observations from a number of writers. It's like Barrie Kerper has put together this wonderful scrapbook of worthwhile reading about the city, to save the reader the trouble of having to dig around finding this stuff. This is a very impressive book, and I'll be looking for the others in the series.
I've listed today as the date I 'finished' this book, but like I said, it's not really the kind of book you read cover-to-cover and 'finish', as such. I will be dipping in and out of this one for a long time!
Rather than an exhaustive listing of places to go, things to see, places to stay, places to eat, maps, etc, the book is a huge collection of standalone essays, articles, musings and observations from a number of writers. It's like Barrie Kerper has put together this wonderful scrapbook of worthwhile reading about the city, to save the reader the trouble of having to dig around finding this stuff. This is a very impressive book, and I'll be looking for the others in the series.
I've listed today as the date I 'finished' this book, but like I said, it's not really the kind of book you read cover-to-cover and 'finish', as such. I will be dipping in and out of this one for a long time!
January 2, 2017
The Collected Traveler series is intended to give a visitor a feel for the place through a collection of articles. It's not supposed to take the place of a guidebook and it's not supposed to be too time sensitive. I wish the author had reminded herself of that while she was putting the book together. It's a largish book, but a third is taken up with the sort of things one uses a guidebook for; packing guidelines, currency tips, etc.. I think that Kerper, traveling as frequently as she does, wanted to help out the first time traveler, but the result is a lot of filler that is organized better in any Fodor's or Lonely Planet guide. Then there were the articles, several of which were interesting, like the one on how to greet people and how to ask for the bill. The ones on food and wine are always fun, although I was disappointed to find that some were merely a series of restaurant reviews, again something done better by a proper guidebook.
I recently read Kerper's book on Venice and found the same flaws. The concept is amazing, but it's disappointing how poorly it was executed. Every so often, though, an article would be wonderful, full of the kind of history and observations that really makes a trip more interesting, but there is so much more dross than gold.
I recently read Kerper's book on Venice and found the same flaws. The concept is amazing, but it's disappointing how poorly it was executed. Every so often, though, an article would be wonderful, full of the kind of history and observations that really makes a trip more interesting, but there is so much more dross than gold.
August 17, 2014
I love this book! it's loaded with lots of valuable information like where you should go,the must see attractions,pictures of places,arts,food,culture,articles,website and shop recommendations,funny stories and revelations and all sorts of things that's definitely worth checking out.Even at the comfort of my home I felt and can totally imagine all these beautiful places,the streets,the french culture,what its like and so on.Though it's quite heavy and bulky I highly recommend it! especially to those people whose been dreaming and wanting to go to Paris,experience Paris life like you've never seen before,this wonderful compilation of a book is so awesome it will definitely bring and boost your knowledge about everything and what's Paris is all about.Definitely a must read before your trip/next trip to Paris! I also saw a bit of similarities between the French culture and my culture quite shocking yet interesting that made me happy knowing because I never thought I got a wee bit of French in me.
I won and received this book for free through Goodreads first reads.Thank you so much.^_~
I won and received this book for free through Goodreads first reads.Thank you so much.^_~
November 3, 2011
Paris: The Collected Traveler is a travel guide extraordinaire. Liberally sprinkled with photos, it contains fascinating articles by a variety of writers along with editor Barrie Kerper’s own insights and experiences. You will learn about the region itself; its foods, including breads, chocolates, and wines; as well as many historical places of interest. You will be entertained by French customs, exposed to its language and phrases, and directed to the most romantic spots in Paris. You will also get tips for shopping and excursions. Also included are suggestions for other books and readings, both factual and fictional, related to France and Paris. If you are traveling to Paris, be sure to pack this book. And even if you are not planning a Paris trip, you will be so engrossed in this travel guide, you will dream you are there. I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
July 30, 2011
It's important to note that this book is a companion guide, not a guidebook per se. This book would be best for someone who would enjoy a series of essays in which Paris is the setting, not necessarily the main character. This book gives you the flavor and history of Paris and is best for someone who would like a big picture rather than a more detailed guide.
This is a great book for foodies, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates art. Kerper profiles Parisian writers from Proust to the modern day Muriel Barbery. The bibliography sources for this book are not pushed to the back pages, as is usually the case. Kerper fills nearly every chapter with suggestions for books that expand on her topic.
This is a lovely book, but I thought it was a bit disorganized. It would be easy to lose your place and never be able to find it again. I suggest reading it with a pad of sticky note markers.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a great book for foodies, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates art. Kerper profiles Parisian writers from Proust to the modern day Muriel Barbery. The bibliography sources for this book are not pushed to the back pages, as is usually the case. Kerper fills nearly every chapter with suggestions for books that expand on her topic.
This is a lovely book, but I thought it was a bit disorganized. It would be easy to lose your place and never be able to find it again. I suggest reading it with a pad of sticky note markers.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 7, 2015
I just returned from Paris, and this book was EXACTLY what I wanted to read prior to and during my time there. It's not a guidebook (our friend Rick Steves gave us all the information we needed on that front) but a collection of essays dedicated to every aspect of visiting and living in Paris. There are sections on personalities, museums, food, all of the things one notices about a city that is not their own. It's quite an extensive volume, with recommended reading lists on each topic to continue your reading if something piques your interest, so I skipped a couple of the drier bits. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on food - I wish I had gotten a bigger head start on this book before my trip so I could've done more research into the restaurants named and the books and blogs recommended on that subject. Overall a fantastic resource, and part of a series that I will for sure look up before my next international trip!
February 18, 2008
As a French person living in Paris, I found it quite interesting to read a book about Paris that was directed at American tourists. It's interesting to see what other people might find strange that I take for granted (the hand-held shower for example). Not all the articles are interesting and I found the author slightly annoying at times (I agree that you have to have some kind of preparation before you travel but with her it becomes a full time job!), especially when she hadn't checked the spelling of the French words she used (no, there is no such thing as "d'épaysement", it's one word thank you). But on the whole I found the book really interesting and it has given me lots of ideas for things to do in Paris.
August 22, 2011
I received this book via the Goodreads First Reads program and as an avid Francophile, I was so pleased to receive it! The book is a collection of essays and articles--not something you want to read cover to cover--but an excellent volume to reach for when you feel a longing for la belle France! Some of the essays are more entertaining than others. I especially enjoyed Julia Child's piece. Warning to travelers--this is not really a travel guide, although it does have some interesting tips and tidbits. It gives you a taste of Paris, of the big picture, without necessarily providing all the details.
November 30, 2017
very good. brought back many memories of my trips to paris. makes me want to go back so i can visit the places recommended! this would make a great present for anyone traveling to paris or those who love it.
i would've liked to have more content in the first chapter and not so many recommended readings. although very good recommendations, they were more of a distraction and a slight turn off to finishing the book. i was glad the following chapters had more articles.
(Received free through Goodreads First Reads)
i would've liked to have more content in the first chapter and not so many recommended readings. although very good recommendations, they were more of a distraction and a slight turn off to finishing the book. i was glad the following chapters had more articles.
(Received free through Goodreads First Reads)
June 9, 2013
This collection of articles (most re-printed) has something for everyone who is planning, or dreaming of planning, a trip to Paris. Use it to supplement traditional guide books: included are some wonderful pieces about the cafe culture (including etiquette and dos & don't's), specific arrondissements (including le Marais, to my delights), areas outside of Paris (Versailles, Chartes, Loire Valley), and little-known treasures within. A love letter to Paris, essentially. Feel free to skim over some parts and dive into others.
May 23, 2016
I generally like anthologies and recommended reading / bibliography-style books. This is both. I particularly liked that the editor brought a varied selection of books and articles across many decades of reading and research. That being said, this collection is not as current as it could be, despite this being the most recent edition. Also, on a personal note, having just moved back from Paris to the U.S., I could have picked a better time to read this.
April 4, 2009
An absolute must before your next trip to Paris. I love the bibliographies organized at the end of each chapter as it really helps you hone in on the minutia of whatever Parisian passion piques your interest. The various compiled articles come from periodicals, essays, and, well, just about every written source around! I turn to it before every trip to Paris to get myself psyched up.
July 13, 2011
I love Paris and was really happy to win this. It's quite long and I'm reading more things at the same time, so I don't know how fast I'll get through it, but it definitely feels like I will love this. As I've gotten through it more, I see that it is more of a companion guide than a travel book, but I think that's great. I'd love something like this for any place I go.
Read
November 24, 2008The one about the military leader kept in a cage for years and years and years gave me nightmares. The one about the woman who went to a fine restaurant off-season still makes me smile. The one about the "secret word" in the bakery taught me a lot about manners in Paris.
May 11, 2012
I'm all bummed as the library wouldn't let me renew this. But, having read over 200 pages, I am going to put this on my Kindle for sure. It's a delightful read whether you are planning a trip to Paris or not.
March 16, 2015
What a helpful and interesting read in preparation for my first trip to Paris! A little bit every day of the author's enthusiastic and engaging voice sent me to other resources and made me even more excited for my travels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews