Paris 1919-1939: Art, Life & Culture

by Gerard Durozoi, Vincent Bouvet

During the années folles following World War I, Paris underwent a creative fever that brought artists and intellectuals from around the world to the City of Light. The bohemian charms of Montparnasse attracted artists such as Picasso, Chagall, and Giacometti, while a vibrant café culture provided a forum for disputes between Dadaists and Surrealists and gave rise to a group of expa­triate writers. The creative energy was all-encompassing, establishing Paris as the epicenter of new trends in the arts, a position it would occupy until World War II. This newest title in a celebrated series addresses such diverse topics as aesthetics, literature, the changing role of women, and the transformation of avant-garde culture.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art, France

416 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a good general overview of Paris the physical city and the cultural life there between 1918 and 1939. This was a vibrant, chaotic time in the life of Paris. This book deals not only with expatriate artist communities but also the local artists who were working in the city during this time. There's a look at painting, music, dance, architecture and writing etc. The authors take you through the changes and excesses of the period and this book is a good attempt to give a general look at what is known as 'the crazy years' in Paris.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

While visually arresting and beautifully selected and presented, this volume offers too much detailed text and not enough actual information. It is all dates and names that are irrelevant unless you've thoroughly studied every facet of Parisian culture. This is a collectors item, ill-suited for the casual reviewer.

[Dyrinda Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this book as much as my library's new-book, seven-day loan policy will let me.

[Jason Shaffner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stunning pictures and many interesting insights into the state of culture -- in all forms: painting, music, graphic design, furniture, fashion, theatre -- across two decades in Paris. But some of the essays proved a slog for anyone who isn't an art expert or for whom the long lists of names are not meaningful. Despite the seeming breadth of the volume, it felt somehow narrow and limited. But if you don't don't mind skimming here and there, the visual content dazzles.

[Cate Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book than an in-depth narrative exploration of Paris between the wars, but I found it wonderful. The plates, in particular, are gorgeous.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Learning about the art, architecture, fashion, and cultural aspects of a time period is always interesting, but nonfiction isn't my cup of tea on the best day. Also, while it is full of interesting images and fun information, it is an exceptionally dense piece of reading material that is by no means a page turner. I recommend it, but reading it for class and having to get through it in two weeks was a real struggle.

[MaureenMcBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures alone make this book a worthwhile read: wonderful scenes of artists, architecture and street life in 20s and 30s Paris. The text is packed with information about artistic and cultural leaders -- so packed that it reads like an academic textbook in places. But I learned a lot and loved being able to recognize some places from last year's stay in Montparnasse.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book that has many illustrations and photographs that I had personally not seen before. I found it a supperb balance between text and visual, and so making it a continuous source of reference once read about this fascinating era of French culture and life.

[Ken Ficara · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://steelbrassnwood.livejournal.co...

[Päivi Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Titre original: Paris 1919-1939, Art, Vie, Culture