William Walton's second volume is where Paris truly loses its medieval skin and wrestles its way into the modern world. It's a sweeping story that feels personal, focusing on the city's physical and social metamorphosis.

The Story

This installment follows Paris from the grand, controlling era of Louis XIV—who literally moved the center of power to Versailles—through the intellectual ferment of the Enlightenment, and right into the fiery chaos of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. Walton traces how the city's layout changed with new bridges and neighborhoods, and how the ideas brewing in its cafes and salons eventually exploded onto the streets. The narrative builds this incredible pressure: you see the absolute monarchy, the extreme inequality, and the brilliant minds all colliding in one dense, restless city.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is Walton's eye for the telling detail. He doesn't just list events; he describes what the city felt like. You get a sense of the claustrophobic, winding streets of the old quarters versus the new, open planning. He connects the geography of Paris directly to the mood of its people. Reading it, you understand the Revolution wasn't a sudden accident, but the inevitable result of a city strained to its breaking point. It's history that feels urgent and alive.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves Paris, or anyone who enjoys history that reads like a great story. If you're a traveler who wants to know the why behind the places you see, or a reader who likes big ideas played out on a human scale, this is for you. It’s a brilliant, accessible portrait of a city in the most dramatic chapter of its life.