bourgeoisie and the urban working class. The opening portion lays the groundwork for a rich exploration of French society, highlighting the importance of capturing the daily lives and customs of people rather than historical events. It critiques traditional historians for neglecting the nuances of societal behavior and instead proposes to document how individuals live, dress, and interact within their social environments. Curmer sets in motion a dialogue around the evolution of French manners through observational essays, including a vivid portrayal of the "épicier" (grocer) and the "grisette" (working-class woman), demonstrating their roles in the intricate tapestry of Parisian life. The text suggests that such insights are vital to understanding both contemporary society and the legacies they leave behind. (This is an automatically generated summary.)