Paris and Her Remarkable Women

Paris and Her Remarkable Women focuses on the lives of 16 exceptional Parisiennes, from the famous Sarah Bernhardt and Coco Chanel and to the lesser-known Christine de Pizan—France’s first professional woman writer, who began writing in 1389—and 18th-century philosopher-physicist Madame du Châtelet. Subjects in this attractive little book range in time from the 5th-century Saint Genevieve to the 20th-century Simone de Beauvoir, and include women of letters, artists, scientists, a political activist and Louis XIV’s second wife, Madame de Maintenon. Each chapter includes an excellent mini-biography (often with quotes from the women themselves), colorful illustrations and a list of sites to visit. Some chapters also mention books and films by or about these fascinating women. A perfect gift for lovers of Paris, it’s also an intriguing guidebook for unique pilgrimages throughout the city.

Paris and Her Remarkable Women, by Lorraine Liscio. The Little Bookroom, 2009. $19.95.

Originally published in the March 2010 issue of France Today.