Paris: With Pen and Pencil Its People and Literature, Its Life and Business

"Paris: With Pen and Pencil" by D. W. Bartlett is a 19th-century travel account about two trips to Paris. The author shares his experiences and thoughts on the city's culture, its people, and important historical figures, specifically through the lens of literature and daily living. Bartlett aims to broaden the reader's knowledge of Paris and its residents by adding personal stories and observations that create a clear picture of the city. The beginning of the book describes the author's trip from London to Paris, noting the complexity of international travel at the time, like needing passports and dealing with different kinds of transportation. Through his travel experiences and by describing the people he meets, Bartlett develops his perspective on Parisian society. He highlights the difference between the stressful trip and the peaceful beauty of Paris when he arrives, adding historical details about the city's past, showing how it changed from a Roman town to a thriving capital with rich culture, unique character, and literary value. His thoughts on the sights and people he encounters present an interesting introduction to the lively world of 19th-century Paris.