Paris is one of my favorite cities. For Blurb alone, I’ve traveled to the city nine times. Go back to my years of photographic travel and you have to add in another six or eight trips. Yet I don’t claim to know the city. I know parts, superficial layers, and no I don’t speak the language. But what I do know is I can’t afford the Ritz.
The Hotel Ritz was established in 1898 and instantly became THE place for celebrity, royalty, government and even the movers and shakers of the journalism world, back when that meant a real career. Think Capa, think Hemingway. But also think Nazi, the resistance and everyone in between.
Tilar Mazzeo tells the tale of this famous hotel and those who called it home. Literally, home. These people would stay for YEARS. The Hotel on Place Vendôme provides an overview of the history but focuses in great part on a singular season during the Second World War. If this is not one of the most intriguing-not to mention horrifying-chapters of world history I’m not sure what is.
Get it, read it.
Comments 5
Hey Danial – just discovered you and your work and am enjoying what I see — quick question if you don’t mind – what type/style of glasses are you wearing? Very sharp indeed – thanks – Dave
Author
Hey David,
Oakley. All my shades are prescription Oakleys.
Sorry – proofread before submitting — Daniel
My wife and I love Paris so this book was a must read for me. I just finished it and was fascinated by what took place at the Ritz. Thanks for sharing this.
Author
Paul,
Me too. And was blown away by what Hemingway’s wife did just to get to Paris. That was guts.