The Invention of Paris~ Teaser Tuesday

Hosted by MizB at shouldbereading.

Here's how to play:

*Grab your current read,

*Open to a random page,

*Share a few “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page,

*Please no spoilers!

*Share the title & author.

From The Invention of Paris: A History in Footsteps" by Eric Hazan. (p.15-16)

"In the Middle Ages, only three places in Paris were permanently illuminated at night: the gate of the Chatelet tribunal, where Philippe le Bel had placed a wood-framed lantern filled with pig bladders to deter the criminal enterprises that were hatched right outside; the Tour Nesle, where a beacon marked the entry to Paris for boatmen coming up the Seine; and the lantern of the dead in the Innocents cemetery. Those heading into the dark of the city were advised to make use of an escort of armed torchmen, as one could hardly trust the protection of the watch, whether civic or royal. 

At the same time as Louis XIV made Paris an open city, and launched the construction of his new avenue, he took two measures that marked the beginning of the modern age: he had nearly three thousand lanterns installed in the streets--glass cages protecting candles, hung from ropes at first-floor level-- and he established the post of  lieutenant-general of police, in command of a significant armed force. (It was the first of these officers, La Reynie, who emptied out the courts of miracles and embarked on the 'great confinement', shutting up beggars and deviants in the new prison hospitals of the Salpetriere and Bicetre.)"

Will most likely be inundating you with a few new photos of Paris this week. And trying to catch up on a little Parisian history!