Introduction: "Capital of the universe" -- The bridge where Paris became modern: the Pont Neuf -- "Light of the City of Light": the Place des Vosges -- "Enchanted island": the Ile Saint-Louis -- City of revolution: the Fronde -- The open city: the boulevards, parks, and streets of Paris -- City of speed and light: city services that transformed urban life -- Capitale de la mode -- City of finance and new wealth -- City of romance -- Conclusion: Making the city visible: painting and mapping the transformation of Paris

In this compelling portrait of a city in transition, Joan DeJean shows that by 1700 Paris had become the capital that would transform forever our conception of the city and of urban life