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City of Light, City of Poison: Uncovering the Dark Secrets of Paris

Elmer Powell

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Paris, the City of Light, is known for its iconic landmarks, its romantic ambiance, and its rich cultural history. However, beneath the glittering façade lies a darker side, a labyrinth of secrets and sinister plots. In "City of Light, City of Poison," author Sam Kean takes us on a gripping journey through the city's hidden past, revealing the deadly poisons that have shaped its history.

A City Stepped in Poison

Kean begins by introducing us to the "poisoners' guild" that flourished in Paris during the 17th and 18th centuries. These women, known as the "petites empoisonneuses," were masters of their deadly craft, using a variety of poisons to eliminate their enemies and rivals. Kean describes the subtle symptoms of these poisons and the horrifying ways they tortured their victims.

City of Light, City of Poison: Murder, Magic, and the First Police Chief of Paris

by Holly Tucker

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35824 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages

One of the most notorious poisoners was Madame de Brinvilliers, a wealthy noblewoman who used arsenic to murder her father and her two brothers. Kean recounts the details of her twisted crimes and her eventual capture and execution.

The Dark Underbelly of Paris

Kean's journey takes us into the dark underbelly of Paris, where poisons played a sinister role in politics, crime, and revenge. He reveals the poisoning of the Duc d'Orléans, the assassination of a Russian mystic, and the mysterious death of Napoleon's mistress.

Kean also explores the use of poisons in warfare, describing the devastating effects of mustard gas during World War I and the development of nerve agents during the Cold War. He uncovers the secrets of the "Poison Gardens" where deadly plants were cultivated for sinister purposes.

The Science of Toxicology

Interspersed with the historical and true crime narratives, Kean provides fascinating insights into the science of toxicology. He explains how poisons work, how they are detected, and how they can be used to both heal and harm.

Kean introduces us to famous toxicologists, such as Mathieu Orfila and Alexander Gettler, who pioneered new methods of poisoning detection. He also discusses the development of antidotes and the legal challenges in prosecuting poisoning cases.

The Legacy of Poison in Paris

Kean concludes his journey by examining the legacy of poison in Paris. He shows how the city's history of poisoning has influenced literature, art, and popular culture. From the writings of Balzac and Zola to the films of Henri-Georges Clouzot, Paris has been forever associated with the dark power of poisons.

Kean argues that the city's fascination with poison is a reflection of its own contradictory nature. Paris is both a place of beauty and danger, of light and darkness. The poisons that have flowed through its streets embody this duality, reminding us of the fragility of life and the power of the human mind to both create and destroy.

"City of Light, City of Poison" is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of Paris. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Sam Kean reveals the deadly secrets that have shaped the city's history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, history, science, or the hidden depths of the human psyche.

A Dark And Mysterious Illustration Of Paris With Poison Bottles And Skulls In The Foreground. City Of Light City Of Poison: Murder Magic And The First Police Chief Of Paris