The success of this book (! On me offered two) shows the qualities of the book:
-A Time / event-shape, century after century, which is more entertaining than a thematic form.
-The Idea to use the subway stations based on centuries was very original.
-a accessible style without much reference to get to the point; and later (perhaps) to engage in more comprehensive works.
Nb: After reading "Metronome" by Lorant Deutsch, I recommend both books to Ed du Seuil Point History.:
- "Paris, history of a city: nineteenth-twentieth century" Bernard Marchand
- "The Invention of Paris: There are no lost steps" Eric Hazan