This first-person account of a legendary necropolis will delight
Francophiles, tourists and armchair travelers, while enriching the
experience of taphophiles (cemetery lovers) and aficionados of art and
architecture, mystery and romance. Carolyn Campbell's evocative images
are complemented by those of renowned landscape photographer Joe
Cornish. "City of Immortals" celebrates the novelty and eccentricity of
Père-Lachaise Cemetery through the engrossing story of the history of
the site established by Napoleonic decree along with portraits of the
last moments of the cultural icons buried within its walls. In addition
to several "conversations" with some of the high-profile residents,
three guided tours are provided along with an illustrated pull-out map
featuring the grave sites of eighty-four architects, artists, writers,
musicians, dancers, filmmakers and actors, including Oscar Wilde, Jim
Morrison of the Doors. Frédéric Chopin, Georges Bizet, Edith Piaf, Maria
Callas, Isadora Duncan, Eugène Delacroix, Gertrude Stein, Amedeo
Modigliani, Sarah Bernhardt, Simone Signoret, Colette and Marcel Proust.