Paris and Elsewhere

by Richard Cobb, Julian Barnes (Preface)

Perhaps no one loves France as much as the English--at least some of the English--and Richard Cobb, the incomparable Oxford historian of the French Revolution, was a passionate admirer of the country, a connoisseur of the low dive and the flophouse, as well as a longtime familiar of the quays of Paris and the docks of Le Havre and Marseille. Collecting memoirs, portraits of favorite haunts, appreciations of Simenon and Queneau, Rene Clair and Brassai, and including the famous polemic "The Assassination of Paris," Paris and Elsewhere shows us a France unglimpsed by tourists.

Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction, France, Essays

364 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Richard Cobb was a British historian. He became Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford, after an initially unconventional academic career in which he spent a dozen years working as an independent scholar in French archives. His work was recognised in France by the award of membership of the Legion d'Honneur. He is known for his work on the background to the French Revolution, and for his autobiographical writings.

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so this was good, but also kind of tedious. I skimmed through the last couple of essays until I found some interesting morsels, and then skimmed some more.

[Harrison Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an easy book to read. While there are many narratives in the book that are enjoyable, many have lengthy references to obscure unfamiliar Francophone topics. Additionally, the author uses the French language in many places, sometimes lengthy quotations, that are not defined. While I speak French fairly well, the quotations generally include French words that are not well known. Finally, stylistically, the narrative is often hard to follow due to use of lengthy run-on sentences, sometimes an entire page long. Thought about giving up several times, but plowed through and finished.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. I admit, it was the presence of Queneau's name on the back that made me pick it up, & he is only mentioned in passing a few times. Certainly there are some pleasures to be found in these pages full of the love of Paris & the many details of that love over the years by its author, which would doubtless be more appreciated by those with a more intimate knowledge of the city. Some parts veer into grumpy old man territory, but those that don't really communicate well one man's cherished memories, experiences, & analysis of his beloved city.

[Kidlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a Paris reading kick this winter, as well as working on my limited French language skills. How charming to find Cobb's work on the intellectual and social history of Paris, from his own personal lens as what used to be called an eminent historian. It's immensely accessible and filled with the kind of knowledge and nostalgia that makes for an edifying, charming read. I particularly like Julian Barnes' introduction, another Anglo-Francophile who shines when speaking about the French.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish the book, was horribly bored by it and the author.