Eiffel's Tower

Anyone who has visited Paris would probably have put this icon of France on their itinerary. The Eiffel Tower is one of those wonders of the world that everyone recognizes and could tell you where it is located. It is also one of those wonders that you actually have to see to believe. Just as it marveled those who attended the Paris World's Fair in 1889, it continues to be awe inspiring today.

But it was not a very popular choice in Paris to serve as the main attraction for the World's Exposition. In fact there was even tentative plans to tear it down after five years. Since the state would only agree to fund a part of it, architect Gustave Eiffel had to commit his own resources to assure it was completed on time for the opening of the Exposition universelle de 1889 in Paris, France.

This book by Jill Jonnes is more than just a history of the tower. Not only does it discuss the difficulties in getting the tower constructed, but it also presents developments in the arts, globalism, technology, and journalism in the late nineteenth century as represented at the event.

Her book is similar to Erik Larson's "Devil in the White City", which discusses the preparations and construction of the Chicago World's Fair, but without a serial killer in the neighborhood. Both great reads for architecture and history buffs.