France: An Adventure History
Product ID: 512242497
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A wholly original history of France, filled with a lifetime’s knowledge and passion―by the author of the New York Times bestseller Parisians . Beginning with the Roman army’s first recorded encounter with the Gauls and ending in the era of Emmanuel Macron, France takes readers on an endlessly entertaining journey through French history. Frequently hilarious, always surprising, Graham Robb’s France combines the stylistic versatility of a novelist with the deep understanding of a scholar. Robb’s own adventures and discoveries while living, working, and traveling in France connect this tour through space and time with on-the-ground experience. There are scenes of wars and revolutions from the plains of Provence to the slums and boulevards of Paris. Robb conveys with wit and precision what it felt like to look over the shoulder of a young Louis XIV as he planned the vast garden of Versailles, and the dangerous thrill of having a ringside seat at the French revolution. Some of the protagonists may be familiar, but appear here in a very different light―Caesar, Charlemagne, Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, General Charles de Gaulle. This extraordinary narrative is the fruit of decades of research and thirty thousand miles on a self-propelled, two-wheeled time machine (a bicycle). Even seasoned Francophiles will wonder if they really know that terra incognita on the edge of Europe that is currently referred to as “France.” 16 pages of illustrations; 16 maps
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.3 inches |
| Isbn 10 | 1324064692 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-1324064695 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 560 pages |
| Publication Date | July 11, 2023 |
| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company |
User
Tres bien
For every dry history book on France that reads like it was written as a Michelin Guide with dates and names but no context, this is the cure. Written by an Oxford professor who clearly loves France and the French, this book gives compelling insights into the places, events, history, and people of France. Details on the building of Versailles make it far less glamorous and far more petty than the Hall of Mirrors and well manicured gardens (once a swamp) would imply. I did not know that more money was spent and more men died building that place than died in the war Louis XIV was waging on France's northeastern border. The book fills in personalities and details that others that focus on borders and kings leave out. Highly recommended.
User
Unique style of writing for a history book
The books is written in a unique style, focusing on people’s stories rather than events. He also integrated anecdotes about his travels through the areas. It was interesting and not a dry history book.
User
Entertaining and informative
This book is incredibly entertaining and informative; I highly recommend it. I checked this out at a library three times and finally, bought the book! This is a must read for any Francophile.
User
Great
Awesome read, love the author
User
Very entertaining and informative
No, this is not a complete history of France. It is an "adventure" history, as Graham Robb titles it. He is a terrific writer who chooses happenings from Julius Caesa, Napoleon, the French Revolution and the French Resistance in World War 11. He has dipped into the amazing history of France and found many jewels. And he is such an entertaining writer that you come away having learned a lot in the most pleasurable way.
User
Bits of history I didn’t learn before
Read this book before our first trip to France. Really enjoyed
User
Improve your knowledge of French culture and history over the centuries.
Graham Robb has written many history books concerning French history and culture. All of these have been lauded with high critical acclaim, and this one is no exception. So read it.
User
Missed the Mark
I was very disappointed in this book. I was looking forward to a pleasing mix of history and travel and instead I got a poorly written and uninteresting book. The first 100 pages are nearly impossible to get through.
User
Libro interessante a prezzo giusto e spedizione gratis
Libro di lettura abbastanza facile di soggetto presentato in modo originale, cioè saltando di località e periodi diversi.
User
Livre intéressant et bien écrit
C'est un livre original sur l'histoire de la France.
User
Great book.
I loved this book.
User
Great read for a cold winter's day!
Great read for a cold winter's day!
User
Very personal view of France from some unusual perspectives.
Shows “the whole” by focusing on selected details and events. Very interesting with some details of French history that are unlikely to be found elsewhere.Written by a Francophile Scotsman
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