A Concise History of France (Cambridge Concise Histories) [Paperback]

Roger Price (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 2005 | ISBN-10: 052160656X | ISBN-13: 978-0521606561 | Edition: 2

This book provides a clear and up-to-date guide to French history from the early middle ages to the present--from Charlemagne to Chirac. Among the book's central themes are the relationship between state and society, the impact of war and the use of political power. Substantially re-written to take account of recent research, this second edition includes a new chapter on contemporary France; a society and political system in crisis as a result of globalization, international terrorism, racial tension and a loss of confidence in political leaders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... coherent and eminently readable. It is a major - indeed unique - achievement.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'... a remarkably succinct story.' John Wright, BBC

Book Description

This book provides a clear and up-to-date guide to French history from the early middle ages to the present--from Charlemagne to Chirac. Among the book's central themes are the relationship between state and society, the impact of war and the use of political power. This second edition, substantially re-written to take account of recent research, includes a new chapter on contemporary France; a society and political system in crisis as a result of globalisation, international terrorism, racial tension and a loss of confidence in political leaders.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (August 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052160656X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521606561
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #550,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Roger Price and Leonard Stern created Mad Libs in the 1950s and the series has been a favorite among kids of all ages ever since. Although Roger Price passed away in 1990, Leonard Stern keeps the tradition alive by writing new Mad Libs all the time.

Roger Price and Leonard Stern are both well known for their comedy writing. In the 1950s Roger Price created and developed cartoons called Droodles, which were turned into a television show. Before that Price worked with Bob Hope on a newspaper humor column, and he even appeared on Broadway in Tickets, Please!
Leonard Stern has an equally colorful and varied history. Before co-founding Price Stern Sloan with Roger Price (Sloan came later), Stern was a successful television writer. In addition to his creative involvement with over twenty television series and over ten motion pictures, Stern worked with Jackie Gleason in New York writing the Honeymooners. He also wrote for the Phil Silvers Show, The Steve Allen Show, and wrote and produced the original Get Smart television series. Recently, Stern published A Martian Wouldn't Say That, which compiled weird and wacky memos written by people in the entertainment industry. Currently, Stern serves as a senior vice president of Price Stern Sloan, where he still writes those hilarious Mad Libs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for general readers, August 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Concise History of France (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

If you are looking for an entertaining review of French history (as I was), this is not it. It focuses almost entirely on economic, sociological, etc., trends instead of people and events (e.g., there is a tedious amount of information about French demographics and economic activity in the 15th century, but Joan of Arc gets only one sentence). This might be a good textbook for college students who already have a solid grounding in French history, but if (like me) you are new to French history and just want to read an interesting account of what happened, you should buy some other book.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I Don't Know if Concise Is the Right Word..?, August 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: A Concise History of France (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

Well, after reading about England, I decided to start studying France, so I decided to buy a short concise history of it. I mean, I already knew the basic outline. However, I was dissapointed.

Good - The book gives a CONCISE history, but does not cover the prehistory and the Romans, who are not mentioned. The book starts from The Hundred Years War, to the monarchy, to the many revolutions and republics, to France's state of a world power and the colonial era, and also, the loss of troops in World War I, and the brutal occupation by Nazi Germany in World War II. It also covers the Mitterand presidency and how France tries to escape socialism and communism.

Bad - The book does not really talk about the people of France, it talks more about the economy, not the people. Mr. Price doesn't seem to grasp that the reader wants something more of how people and state are connected, not the economy. Also, where is the prehistory and the Roman invasion of Gaul? Just because it was earlier doesn't mean that it has to be skipped! I mean, it was part of France's history, then how does the reader know how and why the cities of Marseilles and Nice have kept Italian culture all these years! The book skips some things.

Okay, if you're gonna buy this, then buy another book of France along with it.

RATING - 3 stars ***

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise but complete, April 14, 2000

By 

Edith Benkov (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Concise History of France (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

Price's text is an excellent overview of French history. It's quite useful if you're teaching a French "civilization" course and you'd rather not dwell on dates, battles, etc.