The Heroic City is a sparkling account of the fate of Paris’s public spaces in the years following Nazi occupation and joyful liberation. Countering the traditional narrative that Paris’s public landscape became sterile and dehumanized in the 1940s and ’50s; Rosemary Wakeman instead finds that the city’s streets overflowed with ritual; drama; and spectacle. With frequent strikes and protests; young people and students on parade; North Africans arriving in the capital of the French empire; and radio and television shows broadcast live from the streets; Paris continued to be vital terrain.Wakeman analyzes the public life of the city from a variety of perspectives. A reemergence of traditional customs led to the return of festivals; street dances; and fun fairs; while violent protests and political marches; the housing crisis; and the struggle over decolonization signaled the political realities of postwar France. The work of urban planners and architects; the output of filmmakers and intellectuals; and the day-to-day experiences of residents from all walks of life come together in this vibrant portrait of a flamboyant and transformative moment in the life of the City of Light.
#32110 in eBooks 2007-04-01 2007-04-01File Name: B003J48C2C
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Anthony AgoliaA must-read for hip hop heads who want to learn more about the early days of the genre.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. lots of primary sources great voiceBy Yoga lifeWhile I dont know much about Changs authority. he must have some sort of rep or he wouldnt have access to so many of the most important people in hip-hop to give their verbatim accounts of reactions to the events in hip-hop and potential changes it will undergo. His language is lively and he is on point with all of his propositions and observations. I also included this material in my work for Icons of Hip-Hop (Greenwood Press). Great style. and just like Nelson George. he is unafraid. eager even. to explore the ramifications of hip-hop in both its original and commercial forms. A great book. pretty comprehensive. with many useful and interesting details.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I love this bookBy Simone K.I love this book. As a person who was involved in my local hip hop community. this book helped me go deeper into the roots of hip hop and where it began. I love that it covers all aspects of hip hop culture. Before they had this book translated in Korean. I used to translate the text to help share knowledge with my fellow Korean hip hop heads so that they could better understand the culture. A must read for anyone who loves hip hop culture.
