Paris from the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Volume 1

"Paris from the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Volume 1" by William Walton is a detailed exploration of the city's origins and advancement through time. Beginning with the early inhabitants and the impact of Roman civilization, the narrative highlights how the city evolved through the interaction of social classes and important political changes. The author focuses on revealing the complex identity of the city, influenced by major historical events and people, and establishes the scene by portraying the city as one of magnificence mixed with underlying moral problems. The book builds a foundation for understanding how it rose to become a key cultural and political center in France.