The Greater Journey – Americans in Paris by David McCullough

I highly recommend the book “The Greater Journey – Americans in Paris” by David McCullough. The story takes place in Paris during the 1800s.  We get insight into Parisian life in the areas of art, literature, culture, political upheavals, healthcare and more.  All areas which impact us in America today. 

I started this book as I am a fan of Paris and I wanted to learn about The City of Lights’ impact on America and Americans.  I am also a fan of David McCullough.

The book takes us on a journey, not as dangerous of a journey as some of the Americans crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the 1800s to get Paris.  We tag along with the many Americans that came to Paris to better their craft and experience the Parisian lifestyle.  The craft areas included American artists, sculptors, architects, musicians, and authors as well as non-creative types in the field of healthcare.  There are many stories and we get fullness in the stories from the initial beginnings in Paris to how Paris impacted the specific story till the end.

One such story  which piqued my interest was about author James Fenimore Cooper.  I learned a good deal of his popular books about American life were written while he was in Paris.  Note, I have never read a book from JFC, and he is on my book list finally in 2023.

I found the stories about Paris’ approach to healthcare interesting, and I am not in the healthcare industry.  Paris’ approach to healthcare and the use of the hospital setting as a way to deliver healthcare treatment was just amazing.  I also was grateful for the  attention Paris gave to the healthcare of women, especially in the areas of maternity and delivery.  I didn’t realize Paris was a leader in the healthcare field in the 1800s.

I found the stories about political drama in Paris – post-French Revolution of 1789 – interesting as well.  I learned about the American hero Elihu Benjamin Washburne and his importance in the city of Paris during siege in the 1870s.  Washburne retired and spent his last years in Chicago, my home base.

There are just so many nuggets of interest in this book that you come upon and appreciate.  Of course, there are enough stories about Paris food, art, theatre, Opera to appreciate as well.

I highly recommend this book.  I learned a lot about the impact of 1800s had on America in several different areas beyond just the artistic.  I also learned I need to plan a return trip to Paris real soon. 

Me:  I am Diane M. Spolar and I live in Willowbrook, Illinois (a suburb outside of Chicago) with my husband, son and cat.  I am a CPA by day, and a reader by night and on the weekends.  I am a lifelong lover of books.