Paris at War chronicles the lives of ordinary Parisians during World War II; from September 1939 when France went to war with Nazi Germany to liberation in August 1944. Readers will relive the fearful exodus from the city as the German army neared the capital; the relief and disgust felt when the armistice was signed; and the hardships and deprivations under Occupation. David Drake contrasts the plight of working-class Parisians with the comparative comfort of the rich; exposes the activities of collaborationists; and traces the growth of the Resistance from producing leaflets to gunning down German soldiers. He details the intrigues and brutality of the occupying forces; and life in the notorious transit camp at nearby Drancy; along with three other less well known Jewish work camps within the city.The book gains its vitality from the diaries and reminiscences of people who endured these tumultuous years. Drake’s cast of characters comes from all walks of life and represents a diversity of political views and social attitudes. We hear from a retired schoolteacher; a celebrated economist; a Catholic teenager who wears a yellow star in solidarity with Parisian Jews; as well as Resistance fighters; collaborators; and many other witnesses.Drake enriches his account with details from police records; newspapers; radio broadcasts; and newsreels. From his chronology emerge the broad rhythms and shifting moods of the city. Above all; he explores the contingent lives of the people of Paris; who; unlike us; coÂuld not know how the story would end.
#1322913 in Books Harvard University Press 2006-09-30 2006-08-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .63 x 6.13l; .92 #File Name: 067402253X284 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant look at native american lifeBy Lehigh History StudentOkfuskee provides an interesting look at life in an Indian town and how life changed through the encroachment of the British into Colonial America. There has been no study like this that focuses on the town in Indian life. Most Indians focused their unit of organization on the town and Okfuskee provides a unique look at how the town developed. Through not only a macro view looking at European and trade relations but also a microview where the reader can see how Indians interacted with one another. The complex relationship between the mico (political leader) and head warriors are explored as well as the gender separation between men and women.For those starting out in colonial literature this is not a good place to start. This book adds more insight once you have delved into a few things and are really looking at how the town gets started and what it means for Indian life. It is still very well done and well worth the time to read. It is going to be an important step in the literature to recognize what Piker has done. This is an essential addition for Indian historians.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Information Overload!By JCrutchThis book is written like a textbook. It has more information than you can comprehend. Very factual; and to the point.The book deals with one town in Creek Country; and doesn't delve into other towns; although mentions some. I can't comment on the first part of the book much; because most of the facts I know little about. I will have to take them at face value.The Conclusion to the book deals with the "Red Stick uprising". This part deals with only Okfuskee's part in it; and leaves out other important people and their parts during this time.Overall; this book will give you cold hard facts into what happened in Okfuskee; the author's opinion of why it happened; and the Creek customs that allowed it to happen.Perhaps the author should have left out the chapter on the Creek Civil war since he only talks of descendants of Okfuskee. He make's it seem as though they were the only leaders in that rebellion; and in doing so; he does a discredit to the other leaders.
