The Course of French History [Paperback]

Pierre Goubert (Author), Maarten Ultee (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0415066719 | ISBN-13: 978-0415066716 | Edition: Reprint

This stimulating one-volume history traces the social and economic evolution of France as a nation from the founding of the monarchy in 987, to the present day.
Against a background of structural change, Goubert etches a vivid account of key events and personalities. His perspective is a popular one, and his main interest is in how political events and famous people affect the nation as a whole. The book incorporates the findings and perspectives of recent monographic studies with clarity and precision, but it is Goubert's own judgements, direct, forceful and iconoclastic, which make this an invaluable text.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An eminent French historian's version of French history from 987 to the present, this compact account is written in a delightfully entertaining style. It's a panoramic view, from the plague to Joan of Arc to Napoleon to De Gaulle. The monarchs are taken one by one, but in general there is more social and economic than political history. With so much compression, there is occasional loss of intelligibility; Goubert genially acknowledges this with short sections given headings like "Eight Wars And As Many Truces, With Even More Massacres." But those who don't know French history will learn a lot, and those who do will enjoy Goubert's comments. Recommended. Nancy C. Cridland, Indiana Univ. Libs., Bloomington
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

'This a vivid, perceptive and highly personal piece of writing, excellent as an introductory text which seeks to enthuse the uninitiated.' - Modern & Contemporary France

'Vivid, entertaining and forceful, it combines the broad sweep of history with detailed examination of the key events and personalities.' - France

'Elegant, witty and reflective' - The Observer

'Manages to be sumultaneously pithy and accurate, satirical and dispassionate, summary and all-embracing.' - Literary Review

'Lively, well-written, satirical and profound.' - Emmanuel Le Roy

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Reprint edition (November 20, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415066719
• ISBN-13: 978-0415066716
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #685,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for French History but not a fun read, April 30, 2007

By 

Katrina M. Mongeon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Course of French History (Paperback)

I really like this book because I'm trying to learn about French History. It is very academic so if you are looking for a "fun" or "leisurely" read, pass on this book.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellant, July 19, 2007

By 

Lois M. Hammer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Course of French History (Paperback)

Excellant history, however, difficult to understand. I had to have a dictionary handy to read it. Well worth it.