My new book, Eiffel’s Tower, is set in Belle Epoque Paris, and tells the story of the tallest tower, the World’s Fair of 1889, art, Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Indians, Edison, French esthetes, Americans in Paris, and the rise of colonial empire.
After publishing two books, South Bronx Rising and Hep-cats, Narcs, and Pipe Dreams, about dying cities, drugs, and American failure, I wanted to consider American success. In Empires of Light and Conquering Gotham, I enjoyed writing about the Gilded Age titans who created our modern world: Edison, Westinghouse, Tesla, J.P. Morgan, Carnegie, Roosevelt, Hearst, Pulitzer, Cassatt, Rea, Boss Croker, and myriad colorful characters.
In Eiffel’s Tower, the arena shifts to late 19th century Paris, with its global cast of millionaires, royals and potentates, artists, inventors, courtesans, engineers, and showmen, each determined to outshine all rivals at the Exposition Universelle, where Gustave Eiffel’s 1000-foot tower heralded the 20th century. 
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Eiffel's Tower:
And the World's Fair Where Buffalo Bill Beguiled Paris, the Artists Quarreled, and Thomas Edison Became a Count. Read more…
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TUESDAY:JUL 14, 2009
