THE GUIDE TO THE ARCHITECTURE OF PARIS...

THE GUIDE TO THE ARCHITECTURE OF PARIS by Norval White (Charles Scribner’s Sons: $24.95, illustrated). This diverting and often irreverent guide, organized into 58 walking tours of the city’s 20 arrondissements, contains notes on more than 2,000 Parisian buildings. Clearly enchanted by the beauties of Paris, Norval calls the reader’s attention to details on facades and staircases that might otherwise go unnoticed, and offers concise, historical anecdotes not found in more conventional guides. He also has no qualms about blasting inferior work he feels diminishes the charm and character of a neighborhood: He damns the trendy new housing complex, Les Palmes d’Italie (158, avenue d’Italie), as “a building to to be excerpted in magazines in color, not inflicted on the city.” Small enough to fit into a purse or backpack, this witty book would make an enriching bon-voyage gift for anyone going to France.