When the people of France revolted in 1789, one of their first acts was to rename the months of the year. These new names, selected by poet and playwright Philippe-François-Nazaire Fabre d’Églantine, reflected what took place during that season in the natural world: Fructidor was the month of fruit, Floréal that of flowers, while the winter wind (vent) dominated Ventôse.

Though the names didn’t stick, these seasonal rhythms continue to define Parisians, as well as travelers to the city. Restaurant menus and market offerings evolve, fashions change, the mood and tempo of the city shifts. Exploring the City of Light in each of Fabre’s months, bestselling author and longtime Parisian resident John Baxter draws upon Paris’s literary, cultural, and artistic past to paint an affecting, memorable portrait of the city today.

An unforgettable blend of history, travel reportage, and memoir, of high culture and low, “this joyful exploration of a much-beloved city will make readers wonder if there is ever really a bad time to visit Paris.” (Publishers Weekly)