The Course of French History [Hardcover]

Pierre Goubert (Author), Maarten Ultee (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1988

This 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 broad background of structural change, Goubert's accounts of such key events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Hundred Years War, the reign of Louis XIV, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the two World Wars and the era of De Gaulle, together with his colourful portraits of the personalities who influenced these events, seek to bring the turbulent course of French history to life. His perspective is a popular one and his interpretation emphazises how political events and famous people affect the nation as a whole. This synthesis of approaches creates a balanced survey which combines broad chronological scope and a detailed examination of the leading personalities and events of the period, with a "history from below" analysis. This rich interpretative approach is enlivened by Goubert's distinctively animated and forceful narrative. This book should be of interest to students and teachers of history and French studies from introductory level upwards.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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.

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

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 495 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531150542
• ISBN-13: 978-0531150542
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,659,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 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.

10 of 12 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.