Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Book Review + GIVEAWAY...Come, tour Paris...


All through this week there will be posts to go along with this Fabulous Gem of a Book I've read: Review, Author Interview, Author one-of a- kind photo Guest Post...And of course a GIVEAWAY!
In order to  increase your chances to win, Comment on Every Post This Week and you Double the points for that day!- Only if you comment on EVERY post this week!

As you probably noticed, I have been posting quite a bit about my recent trip to Paris.  What I’ve been holding back from telling you (up until today!) is about this Fantastic life-saver of a book I brought along with me to Paris...


Its role: Tour guide, historian, treasure hunt-companion, fact finder, compass, information guide, miniature museum/art gallery, notebook and directory, storyteller – Indispensable take- along art and history tutorial in compact form.

Diana Reid Haig’s, Walks Through Napoleon and Josephine’s Paris, is a gem and an absolute can’t-do-without if you are in Paris and completely ‘enchanted by Josephine’ (couldn’t resist that!). 

This precious book is meticulously researched and filled with interesting facts about the illustrious couple and where they visited, lived, hung-out... The history is impeccable and the stops on this walk are like finding a treasure.  Inside this tiny book of wonders (it fit perfectly in my small purse, by the way), there are maps, guided tours, stops of interest and historical tid-bits and facts about the royal couple. The tours contain sites that start from before the two even knew each other.
Remember my post on The Procope- well, I originally read about the place in this heart throb of a book.  (And then actually stumbled upon it…I guess some things are just meant to be:) Not only is this a quick and most interesting read, this book is extremely easy to navigate and find what you're looking for while learning so much!

Seriously, I don’t think I would have gotten to see as much as I did without this excellent little companion.  What a fantastic idea for lovers of history touring Paris! Actually, this is great for anyone touring Paris (I know that my teen for one, would have gotten so much more out of her trip to Europe having had this book to make museum trotting in France way more memorable than it was with her school... For sure!) 

(Note to self:  Offer this to my niece on her graduation trip to France)
 
Sidetrack- Sorry!

Diana Reid Haig  is a fantastic author-historian. Prior to actually reading this book, I had no particular expectations except to think; what a pretty book on a subject I love!  At first glance it may have seemed like a wonderful sweet addition to my Josephine books and collection.  To my delight, I was  more than surprised by the wealth of information this book contained! It was like feasting on high end gourmet delicacies for history buffs. Absolutely irresistible! And although it was literally impossible for me to do all the stops and tours listed in detail (since I was only there a week)-  I did get to see so much- way more than I intended!
And did I mention the beautiful artwork? I loved the historical paintings in it! I tell you this jewel really has it all.  History, facts, art and so much more...no wonder it was proudly displayed as one of their best sellers in both Versailles and Malmaison (and I, was so proud to nonchalantly carry it around with me throughout Paris;)
 
For all Josephine and Napoleon aficionados traveling to France- This book is a Must!!

Sidenote:  It’s only when I got back from France and raved about this magic little book that I found out that Diana Reid Haig has also written: Walks Through Marie-Antoinette’s Paris; soon to be released in e-format! This one though is a rare treasure.  Look for it soon!



Interesting tid bit: In August of 1795 Marie-Joseph-Rose de Tascher de la Pagerie (before becoming Mrs. B.), rented this little hotel owned by Talma’s former wife, Julie Carreau. That same year, in October, Josephine and Napoleon would finally meet. For the next five months, until their marriage in March of the following year, Napoleon would visit her here every evening. 
I found this place right in this precious book!
Here’s yours truly in front of Josephine’s home, holding Walks Through Napoleon and Josephine's Paris, by Diana Reid Haig 


 And now for The GIVEAWAY!!!
Diana is graciously offering an Autographed Copy to one of my Lucky Winners!! Thank you so much Diana:)

To Enter:
1) You MUST be a Follower of this Blog.
2) Extra Chance for every Blog Post, Side Bar Notice, FB or Twitter
REMEMBER:  
Comment on Every Post This Week and you Double the points for that day!

Winner Announced this Easter Sunday evening:)
Open to US and Canada
Good Luck!!


13 comments:

vvb32 reads said...

would LOVE this! i plan on heading out to paris this summer for the first time ;-D squeee!

vvb32 reads said...

also a follower
vvb32 at yahoo.com

Martha Lawson said...

I would love to win this awesome book!! Never been to Paris, so I think this would probably be the next best thing!!

gfc follower

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Rachel said...

I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!

Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

Literary Chanteuse said...

Thank you for the giveaway! I'd love to win.

-follower

-tweeted and shared on fb

Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

Amy said...

What an awesome giveaway! I'd love to enter! Thanks so much! :-)

-Follower

Amy
tiger_fan_1997 AT yahoo DOT com

Meg @ A Bookish Affair said...

I am a huge fan of bringing books with me on the places that I'm traveling too. Reading about a place while you there really does make the experience so much richer!

I'm a follower!

abookishaffair(at)gmail(dot)com

Jo Ann Butler said...

This book sounds fantastic, and please put me into the drawing.

Jenny Girl said...

I just love the architectural and history contained in those massive doors. I adore historical places and walking in their footsteps. Thanks for the info.

[not an entry]

Elissa said...

I bought both these books years ago and have read them cover to cover many times. As you know, I lived in Paris this past summer/fall and didn't even do the walking tours. I did however know most of the stops by heart and so if the hubby and I were out for a walk and I recognized a street or area that I remembered from the book we stopped. The MA historian I worked for though never like these for some reason. She always called them "silly little books with rubbish." I didn't want to disagree with her for sake of my job, so I just listened. Glad they were helpful for you!

Lewis said...

I would love to win this awesome book!! Never been to Paris, so I think this would probably be the next best thing!! gfc follower mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

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