The Architecture of Paris

If you want to know more than just surface-level details about the architectural details of Paris buildings and other structures, this book is a must-read. The author packs in an amazing about of information consider the number of structures he covers, and his writing manages to be both scholarly and accessible to the average non-architect (such as myself). You'll also learn a lot about Paris history, culture, and aesthetic movements.As a bonus, the book is printed on slightly glossy paper that feels good as you turn the pages and is a reminder of why reading a printed book can feel more satisfying than looking at the same information on an iPad. My only quibble: the print is rather small densely-packed font that's rather hard to read, although a double-column format makes it doable.

It's a very good book, but my copy arrived defective. Pages 33 through 64 are missing. As partial compensation, pages 65 through 96 appear twice.Too bad, because it's a good book. For each arrondissement (section of Paris), about twenty buildings are selected. For each building, there is a nice discussion of the structure from an architect's perspective and of the building's history.

This is an extraordinary accomplishment: a guide that avoids superficiality and maintains a manageable size that can be taken along while traveling. It is usefully organized by neighborhood. Each entry is a mini-essay that teaches about the building, its builder and its period in an erudite and entertaining fashion and encompasses all the history of Paris. Mr.. Ayers' accomplishment is amazing. Everyone that likes buildings and their history should use it. Thank you Mr. Ayers!!!

A friend (fellow architecture buff) recommended this book to me as the best available such guide, and I spent three weeks following it around Paris. Only complaint - maybe a new edition could fix this? - is that there are no maps, or instructions on how to walk from one site to the next, making it unnecessarily difficult to use. But otherwise, it's terrific.

This is above and beyond any guide book i have seen. The Michelin Green Guide, Paris, has good introductory essays and synopses of all significant sites, whereas Ayers gives extensive historical, architectural, construction and descriptive detail of every site in every arrondissement as well as 18 Ile de France destinations, not just the 16 pages on Versailles; all presented with a definite, though unobtrusive, aesthetic point of view (or maybe i just happen to agree with him). In addition, there are masterly synthesis essays on urban development, housing, metro/RER, arcades and passages, bridges and street furniture. Not for quick reading or casual tourism, despite its "intended use in the field ... [or] the armchair," this book is suitable for upper division undergrad and graduate courses... or anyone who really loves Paris.

I second the review by Alan Stegl. I wish I had this book when I lived in Paris because on my last visit, there was barely enough time to scratch the surface. But it is an appropriate size to carry with you everywhere (unlike the 1000 Buildings of Paris). It is immensely readable and gives me great vicarious travel experiences. Next time I will be better prepared and informed.

As an architectural history major, I find this to be a seminal guide to the architecture of Paris. Besides the in-depth descriptions that tell you more than just "built in 1860 by Charles Garnier," the book is helpfully organized by arrondissement (neighborhood) to make any self-guided walking tour an educational itinerary of your choice.

Paris is so blessed with wonderful architecture, be it from the time of Louis XIV or Chirac. This guide is very current and well researched and the images really pop. Paris is layed out so well and its buildings take advantage of the sight lines. Paris had been relatively lucky with modern buildings, for the most part they have not infringed on Paris's great historic buildings; thank you La Defense. Thank God, after the hideous intrusion on Montparnasse of that huge modern tower, the city set up stringent rules and created La Defense on the western city limits..ah the French, they are great at the aesthetics. If you have any interest in this singular city, then I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Ein exzellenter Führer, profund und mit viel Wissen recherchiert. Bis heute sind mir keine Ungnauigkeiten begegnet. M.E. das Beste auf dem Markt