Compiled by Jacques Kim, The Paris I Saw was created because of questions that an American friend asked about Paris. Kim relates:

I have gathered here for you what seems to me most likely to recall your own memories of our town.

It is not a history book, not a guide to architecture. I simply asked a few of our best photographers to accompany us on the walks we made together, and put down for you the different aspects of the city we love so deeply.

The Paris I Saw, Jacques Kim
Paris: Atra Press, 1945.

Raymond-Laurent wrote the introduction where another purpose for the book is easily discerned:

However brief your stay in Paris, however few your contacts with those who live there, you have surely felt our city’s charms. You will want to come back later, as tourists this time, with your bride.

And the Parisians will recognize, among you the civilians you will have become, the fine soldiers you are today — who brought us liberty in the folds of their star spangled banners, in the rumble of their tanks and the deafening thunder of their wings.

And we will be happy to greet you as our partners of yesterday, our Allies of today, our friends forever.

Is The Paris I Saw for a beloved friend and his comrades? Is it a plea for tourism in the future? Is it flattery pure and simple? Perhaps a little of all three.

Compiled by Jacques Kim, The Paris I Saw was created because of questions that an American friend asked about Paris. Kim relates:

I have gathered here for you what seems to me most likely to recall your own memories of our town.

It is not a history book, not a guide to architecture. I simply asked a few of our best photographers to accompany us on the walks we made together, and put down for you the different aspects of the city we love so deeply.

The Paris I Saw, Jacques Kim
Paris: Atra Press, 1945.

Raymond-Laurent wrote the introduction where another purpose for the book is easily discerned:

However brief your stay in Paris, however few your contacts with those who live there, you have surely felt our city’s charms. You will want to come back later, as tourists this time, with your bride.

And the Parisians will recognize, among you the civilians you will have become, the fine soldiers you are today — who brought us liberty in the folds of their star spangled banners, in the rumble of their tanks and the deafening thunder of their wings.

And we will be happy to greet you as our partners of yesterday, our Allies of today, our friends forever.

Is The Paris I Saw for a beloved friend and his comrades? Is it a plea for tourism in the future? Is it flattery pure and simple? Perhaps a little of all three.