Forget dry history books. 'A travers l'Exposition' is your personal ticket to the 1889 Paris World's Fair, stamped and ready. Published the same year the fair opened, it's a real-time reaction to one of the most dazzling events of the 19th century.

The Story

There's no fictional plot. Instead, Élodie Lamarque acts as your guide. She takes you by the hand and leads you through the sprawling fairgrounds. You climb the newly built Eiffel Tower with her, feel the awe, and hear the debates about its unusual design. You wander through the Gallery of Machines, bewildered by the noise and innovation. You visit the pavilions from countries like Japan and Senegal, experiencing what for many Europeans was a first glimpse of distant cultures. The 'story' is the journey of discovery, the sensory overload of seeing the future being unveiled.

Why You Should Read It

What I love most is Lamarque's voice. She isn't a detached historian; she's right there in the moment. You get her excitement about a new electric lamp, her curiosity about foreign art, and her fatigue after miles of walking. She captures the fair's magic and its chaos. Reading it, you understand not just what was there, but how it felt to be there. It turns a historical event into a lived, human experience.

Final Verdict

This is a gem for anyone who loves immersive history, Paris, or the simple joy of people-watching at a grand event. If you've ever wondered what it was like to witness a world-changing moment, Lamarque gives you a front-row seat. It's perfect for armchair travelers and anyone who believes the best history is told through a personal, observant eye.