Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-7. Thanks to tight writing, Bob Moulder's lively illustrations, and user-friendly, two-page formatting, this elementary look at the history of the city of Paris is an academic success. Hoban divides the information into seven sections: Early Paris, The Middle Ages, A Season of Unrest, Revolution, A Golden Age, Paris at War, and Modern Paris. Within those sections are two-page "reports" that have the economical punch of children's magazine articles. A good introduction to nonfiction resource books--even reluctant readers will peruse this title in the Cities through Time series. --Kelly Milner Halls
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-A conglomeration of history and occasional glimpses into everyday activities that treats neither adequately. The historical information omits such major figures as St. Genevive (Paris's patron saint), Philip II Augustus (who made Paris the center of medieval Europe), and Joan of Arc. Although Hoban states that "Paris has inspired artists, writers, and musicians," only Impressionist painters get a section to themselves. Erik Satie is the sole composer mentioned by name, and no French writers are covered. Sports, the media, science, ballet, opera, and the city's role as a business, manufacturing, and banking center are all neglected. The material on contemporary Paris is particularly weak. There is nothing on recent upheavals (strikes, terrorist bombings, racial tensions, and unemployment); no mention of the 58-story Montparnasse Tower or EuroDisney. Despite several references to "beautiful fashions," there's no discussion of the garment industry. Coverage of daily life is spotty, and only the material on medieval Paris approaches thoroughness. The book contains just one map, a tiny insert that merely places Paris as a dot on France. No history of any city can be complete without a map of the area as it currently exists, plus historical maps showing its expansion over time. Finally, there are several errors-the Germans invaded Belgium in May, 1940, not September, 1939-and confusions-Hoban gives the population of Paris "and its suburbs" as more than two million, but other sources state that it is over nine million. Paris is an extremely attractive production and, unfortunately, does fill a need. However, its limitations should be recognized and weighed carefully.-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
These serviceable, though superficial, introductions trace historical events and cultural practices of these cities up to the present. The texts are supported by historical reproductions, effective primary-source quotations, and a few contemporary photos. All the topics (e.g., the Reformation, food) get the same two-page treatment, so the books' focus sometimes lurches. At times, the undistinguished illustrations almost obscure the text. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
