1. The Pillar of Fire - Ken Follett. This is another masterpiece by the Welsh author, Ken Follett. This volume captures so well the dynamics of France and England during the the stormy 17th century when both of theses countries vied for power. With winsome biographical intrigue Follett introduces the religious as well as cultural push and pull of this era. 

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2. France in the World: A New Global History -  Patrick Boucheron & Stephane Gerson (Editors) - Just bought this recent collection of essays on the grand history of Belle France. One of the world’s most colorful nations, it is a delightful survey of France. ​Easy to pick up and read a short chapter or two!

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3. The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris - David McCullough. A wonderful collection of stories of Americans who were deeply impacted by their lives in Paris and France. From the alliance in the Revolutionary War through WWII McCullough reveals the deep bonds our two countries have. 

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4. The Guns of August - Barbara Tuchman. - This is a masterful introduction to WWI. It is deeply researched but expertly presented. Tuchman creates a powerful through-line of the colorful and flawed leaders who brought this woeful war to the continent.

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5. City of Light: The Making of Modern Paris – Rupert Christiansen. A quick introduction to the person who made Paris what it is today; Baron Haussmann. This book reveals the vision and backing of the architect who made Paris into the charming 'City of Lights' that it is today! 

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6. All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr. This is one of my all time favorite books. This novel is an atmospheric rendering of WW II life in France.  You won't be able to put it down.  

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7. A Moveable Feast - Ernst Hemingway. This is delightful introduction to the heady days of pre-WWII Paris. Hemingway introduces the reader to many American expats an local literati. A short and very readable book.

 

8. Mission to Paris - Alan Furst This is part of Furst’s series of WWII novels. A great plane read or just for fun. You will be enveloped by the shadowy figures off the main stage of the 30’s and 40s’ France. 

 

9. A Hero of our Own - Sheila Isenberg. Varian Fry is an unsung American hero of WWII. He almost singlehandedly saved over 1,000 Jews from the clutches of the Nazi and Vichy Government. Artists like Marc Chagall owed his life to this low level technocrat. 

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10. Painting: Impressionists & Postimpressionists - Museyon Guides. This is an excellent guide with full color pictures of the best of the art world in Paris and beyond. Informative sidebars and technical notes are insightful and never tedious. A must for understanding the works of the world’s most famous artists.