Flâneur
by Federico Castigliano
Flâneur: The Art of Wandering the Streets of Paris
An inspiring book for flâneurs and Paris lovers. It transforms your walk around Paris into an exciting and memorable experience.
A man walks the streets of Paris, alone and without a destination. He travels long avenues of great buildings, loses himself in the crowds at the Grands Magasins. Wrapped up in a black overcoat, he wanders the city restlessly. But what is he looking for? Where is he going?
This book teaches you how lose yourself in the city: it contains stories of promenades and urban adventures, stories of dandies and flâneurs… It contains information regarding characters, authors and artists who have wandered the streets of Paris. By reading these pages you will discover the secrets of flânerie, the noble art of wandering without a destination.
About the Author
Federico Castigliano holds a PhD in Comparative Literature (University of Turin) and is Associate Professor of Italian Studies. Having worked for several years in France, he currently teaches at Beijing International Studies University. His writing combines nonfiction and fiction and centers on the relationship between the individual and urban spaces, thus exploring the possibilities of today’s city.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Itineraries of flânerie (map)
Instructions for reading this book
Prologue – Into the street
How to be a true flâneur
A day in the life of a flâneur
Once there was the flâneur
Getting lost
Where to wander in Paris
Drifting along the boulevards
The ruins of Paris
A dangerous game
The city of tomorrow
Shopping as one of the fine arts
Paris spleen
Epilogue – At the gate
Memorandum for flâneurs
|