“The author, a Paris resident since 1991, has always been passionate about history and the origins of names and places. Imagine his thrill when confronted by the piles of research required to put together these splendidly rendered background descriptions of stops on the Paris Metro. Many of the places are colorfully captured by photographer extraordinaire Geoffrey Smith. Mr. Smith demonstrates sensitivity to the eclectic qualities of the city’s statuary, posters and architecture, and he has included many well composed shots of the surprisingly attractive underground facilities. The book opens with an easy to use map of the underground system, with the author explaining why the Metro is the most efficient way to see the city. But Paris by Metro is much more than a subway system guide book. Mr. Delaney gives us a high speed history lesson in an underground rolling museum. And in true TravelSmarttradition, he sites 25 places to stop and 6 places to shop. The book is peppered with vignettes, making it a rich reading experience. Among the dozens of stories: who built the Palais Royal; what happened to the famous Bastille; the fascinating history of Jean Batiste Kleber and the irony that put an end to the “Terror” era. But don’t look for details about subway stops called Napoleon Bonaparte. Even though several are named after his conquests, ironically none immortalize the infamous Corsican. So, if you’re headed to Paris make sure to have a copy of this tidy small-sized (4 1/4″ X 8″ X 1/4″) book right next to your passport. There is no better traveling companion than Paris by Metro. Not only will it save you from traffic jams, it will add much to your understanding of this Mecca for the romantic.” — TravelSmart Book Recommendations “Ã¥¢ “Not only travellers but Parisians will have the Paris Metro explained by perusing this book in ways they never have before… An absolutely essential guide to really knowing Paris.” —Robert Cole, author of A Traveller’s History of Paris