The White Cities chronicles the observations and experiences of Joseph Roth, a prominent European journalist, during his time in France between 1925 and 1939. As an Austrian Jew exiled in Paris, Roth captured the essence of a continent on the brink of war, reflecting on its beauty, promise, and the underlying tensions of the era. His writings offer a vivid portrayal of diverse French locales and populations, from bustling port towns to idyllic countrysides, and from ordinary workers to those on the fringes of society.

The collection is lauded for its evocative prose and insightful commentary on a pivotal period in European history. Readers and critics alike have praised Joseph Roth's skill in capturing the spirit of a bygone era, highlighting his ability to weave together personal observation with broader historical context. The pieces are seen as a poignant farewell to a European order that was soon to be irrevocably shattered. This work is recognized as a beautifully crafted and revelatory contribution to interwar European literature and reportage.