That summer of 1887, a construction site was established on the left bank of the Seine.

Within two years, two months, and five days, a strange tower emerges… The Eiffel Tower is known all over the world, but who can tell you what it does there? It is neither a church, nor a theater, nor an opera… So what is it? What is its purpose?

An exciting illustrated knowledge book exploring the amazing history of the Iron Lady, this iconic monument that has become the undisputed symbol of France and never ceases to make us dream!

Although globally recognized today, the Eiffel Tower was not always unanimously praised. When it was erected for the 1889 World's Fair, opinions were divided: “What is this strange iron tower? And what is its purpose?”

This book passionately traces the tumultuous beginnings of the Eiffel Tower, a building that was neither a temple, nor a cathedral, nor a theater, nor a wall… and which was initially supposed to be dismantled. Gustave Eiffel, its creator, had to summon great ingenuity to protect his work from demolition.