The 100th anniversary of an epic battle with nature approaches. In the winter of 1910, the great flood of the Seine ravaged Paris and brought widespread destruction to one of the world’s most beloved cities. Historian Jeffrey H. Jackson captures the drama — and the determination of the Parisian survivors — in Paris Under Water: How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910.
The narrative takes the reader through the entire ordeal, from the first reports of rising water levels that were dismissed by most of the bustling capital, through the torrential rainfall that wreaked havoc on faulty engineering throughout the city. As the sewers, Métro and electricity failed around them and the flood took its toll on everything from streets and homes to businesses and museums, Parisians of all backgrounds rallied to save each other and their city.
We at Wonders & Marvels have three (3) copies of Paris Under Water available for our giveaway. To enter, simply comment by 11:59 midnight EST January 29, 2010 in response to this question:
What is your favorite landmark of Paris?
Good luck! (Sorry, at this time, we can only ship books to U.S. winners.)
Tagged as:
City of Lights,
flood,
Giveaway,
Jeffrey H. Jackson,
Paris Under Water
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
My favorite Paris landmark is the Musee D’Orsay.
Well, unfortunately I’ve never been. *sigh* But I would expect that my love for museums would lead me to the Louvre.
The Greek and Roman art collections at the Louvre!
Musee Carnavalet in the Marais (catacombes would be the runner up!)
My personal favorite landmark is the tiny street (and the street sign, blue enamel, white lettering, per usual) for “Rue Chat qui Peche.” Tiny street. Tiniest in Paris? Near Pont St. Michel.
Street of the Fishing Cat.
Musee Rodin
Oh I love Paris! I went there with two friends a few years ago and we stayed in Montmartre and I LOVED the Sacre Coeur. Beautiful view and such a beautiful area. Thanks!
A favorite is so hard to pick! Not a landmark per se but the cafes are excellent. Wonderful to sit outside and watch the city go by – between stops at all the other landmarks naturally.
I am desperate to go to Paris… someday. I’d love to see the Louvre in person. Thanks for the giveaway.
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
Definitely Notre Dame de Paris!
I would have to say Notre Dame. It is just beautiful in there.
The Shakespeare and Company book shop, of course.
I’m with Amanda…Montmartre. Sometimes it still appears in my dreams, sort of mixed up with my old college campus.
My favorite landmark is the Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it twinkles at the top of each hour. C’est magnifique!
My favorite landmark is the Eiffel Tower, because my parents kissed there.
Best place is all of paris is Jardin du Luxembourg. It is a park near the Sorbonne.