"The Myth of Paris" by Karlheinz Stierle is a comprehensive work that illuminates the development of the city consciousness of Paris from the late Enlightenment to the 20th century. The author, a respected literary scholar, offers a detailed analysis of Parisian literature and introduces significant writers such as Balzac, Victor Hugo, and Charles Baudelaire. This nearly 1000-page compendium is more than just a literary study; it is an impressive history of images and consciousness of the city, guiding the reader through the streets, squares, and unforgettable characters of Paris. Stierle succeeds in capturing the essence of the city while conveying the cultural and historical contexts that have made Paris a myth. This book is an essential standard work for anyone interested in the literature and history of this fascinating city.