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.