Paris Under Water How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910 [Paperback]

In the winter of 1910, the river that brought life to Paris quickly became a force of destruction. Torrential rainfall saturated the soil, and faulty engineering created a perfect storm of conditions that soon drowned Parisian streets, homes, businesses, and museums. The city seemed to have lost its battle with the elements. Given the Parisians' history of deep-seated social, religious, and political strife, it was questionable whether they could collaborate to confront the crisis. Yet while the sewers, M?tro, and electricity failed around them, Parisians of all backgrounds rallied to save the city and one another. Improvising techniques to keep Paris functioning and braving the dangers of collapsing infrastructure and looters, leaders and residents alike answered the call to action. This newfound ability to work together proved a crucial rehearsal for an even graver crisis four years later, when France was plunged into World War I. On the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the flood, Jeffrey H. Jackson captures here for the first time the drama and ultimate victory of man over nature.

Introduction
The Surprising Rise of the Seine, January 21-22
The River Attacks, January 23-24
Paris Under Siege, January 25-26
Rescuing a Drowned City, January 27
Up to the Neck, January 28
Crime and Hunger at High Water, January 28
The City of Mud and Filth, January 29-Early February
Making Sense of the Flood
Epilogue: The Great Flood of 1910 and the Fate of Modern Cities
A Note on Sources
Notes
Bibliography
Acknowledgements

A tight, concentrated tale of adversity and survival . . . Evenhanded, at once pragmatic and inspiring. Caroline Weber, The New York Times Book Review

[This] riveting account of the great flood of 1910 and the city's benevolent response is fascinating and inspiring. . . . surprisingly gripping. Minneapolis Star Tribune

It's hard to imagine a more thoroughly researched hilc0