Rising proudly on the city skyline, the Panthéon is one of the great
Parisian landmarks. But how many actually know its story, from
its creation as a church to its modern-day role as a mausoleum for
the nation's grands hommes? And besides, who are these "great
men"? How many, all told? What were the events and the ideologies
that decided their inclusion, or even their expulsion? Generals
and marshals, heroes of the Revolution, politicians and dignitaries,
thinkers and artists - each life speaks volumes about its
times - and ours.
The history of the Panthéon mirrors the history of France. From
Louis XV to the present day, this biographical guide follows the
key events and acquaints or reacquaints readers with the eminent
servants of State, the military heroes and political leaders and the
literary and scientifie figures who are interred or celebrated here,
and who now cohabit in the eternity of memory.