Every painting from the original book has been rescanned and enlarged, presenting them as they have not been seen for a hundred years. Opposite each painting is a page containing full - colour images relating to the painting, from period maps and postcards to paintings and railway tickets, together with a text placing the painting in its contemporary context.The new introduction sets the historical scene for the most important cultural capital of Europe in the years around the turn of the century - the Paris of the impressionists, of the cancan, of incredible artistic, social and economic enterprise. The introduction is written by Marion L. Grayson, a well-known author and expert on Parisian history.