Paris Nights, and Other Impressions of Places and People

"Paris Nights and Other Impressions of Places and People" by Arnold Bennett is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work captures the essence of Paris, recounting the author's experiences and observations of its distinctive architecture, culture, and social interactions through vivid and insightful narratives. The opening of the collection introduces a scene where the author reflects on his first invitation to a Parisian gathering, filled with the allure of music and the charm of women. He describes the intimate setting, noting the contrast of perceptions between Paris and London, and the unique essence of the Parisians gathered—their artistic discussions, candid interactions, and emotional expressions. Bennett's keen observations create a rich tapestry of Parisian life, illustrating the romantic and sometimes absurd dynamics of its social elite, emphasizing their candor and the spirited nature of their conversations. This beginning sets the stage for an exploration of various facets of Parisian culture that promises to engage readers with a mix of humor, irony, and appreciation for the city's complexities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Enoch Arnold Bennett was an English author, best known as a novelist, who wrote prolifically. Between the 1890s and the 1930s he completed 34 novels, seven volumes of short stories, 13 plays, and a daily journal totalling more than a million words. He wrote articles and stories for more than 100 newspapers and periodicals, worked in and briefly ran the Ministry of Information during the First World War, and wrote for the cinema in the 1920s. Sales of his books were substantial, and he was the most financially successful British author of his day.