Customer Reviews

About France

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An American journalist who has resided in Paris for several decades and married into a French family, Joseph Harriss explains in this highly readable book what makes the French "tick," think, act or refuse to act. "Living in France...often strikes me as living in the world's biggest museum."
Le Tour Eiffel was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Republic for the same reason the Concorde flew, for the glory of France. If it weren't for 'la gloire,' we wouldn't have that magnificent thousand foot tower all lighted up to welcome us to Paris.
Harriss explores French pastimes, their vacations, attitudes, culture, the French resistance of WWII and their most avid passion: politics. They have views of George W. Bush; we have views of Jacques Chirac.
This modern France with whom Americans have had an on and off relationship is discussed with keen incite and humor by someone who has lived there much of his life.

Travelers, whether just starting out or seasoned, who are planning a visit to France will recognize Joseph Harriss' ABOUT FRANCE to be a boon of a book. Always informative and entertaining, the author's observations approach and explain the attitudes and politics of the French. Any book containing complete chapters committed to champagne, oysters, mustard and vacations make it "my kind of read". In light of recently reported labor law demonstrations by the French youth, the 1968 student demonstrations chronicled in his book are insightful, and uncannily comparable . Traveling to France? ABOUT FRANCE by Joseph Harriss should enhance your journey. Bon Voyage!!!

Had I had the opportunity to read Joseph Harriss' "About France"
before I made my first trip to La Belle France I would have been
better equipped to understand these delightful people and their
ways. Each chapter sheds light on their little idiosyncrasies
(of which there are many)and explains the whys and wherefores that make the French well, "the French." I found each vignette appealing and enlightening. Even if this is a collection of articles once published in magazines, as a whole it is an insightful and amusing compilation of anecdotes of a Nation,her people and their foibles! My own experience of finding a Paris friend at the same address after 40 years would fit right in. When I expressed surprise, I was told, "That's what makes us French so beautiful...we don't like change!" I can't wait to
read Mr. Harriss' book about the Eiffel Tower and look forward
to more from him.

The book is comprised of a series of articles written by the author as correspondent from France for TIME and various other journals. The most recent was published in 2000, and the others go back to 1968 of thereaboutrs. It depicts France and the French autrefois, not France or the French of today.