Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French [Paperback]

Richard Bernstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 1991

An enormously entertaining account of contemporary France from the former Paris bureau chief of The New York Times. Bernstein combines personal memoir, informed observation, and news-hound curiosity to offer a stirring and unforgettable panaorama of France—at times exalted, troubling, and occasionally absurd.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bernstein maintains that the French, contrary to their reputation for smugness, are actually shy, elegant and formal people with an anarchic streak and a devotion to pleasure. "This well-rounded portrait of France today is a spirited introduction to a prosperous, complacent, Americanized people whom modernity has 'leached out of their particularity,' " said PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Why are the French both so appealing and annoying? Is Paris slipping? These and other questions are answered by former New York Times Paris correspondent Bernstein in this thorough analysis of what makes the French tick. Rich in anecdote and personal experience, this account examines Paris, les provinces, and the French persona, as well as government and politics. The author notes that while France is no longer among the leading powers, nowhere else can one live so well. Although Theodore Zeldin's slightly dated The French ( LJ 2/15/83) remains the standard work, Bernstein has written a most useful account, sure to be in demand. BOMC selection.
- Ian Wallace, Agriculture Canada Lib., St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Plume (September 26, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452266785
• ISBN-13: 978-0452266780
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars oustanding journalistic masterpiece, July 19, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Carlsbad, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French (Paperback)

deep, unbiased, well researched in all aspects of the review. Written with excellent litterary talent, the book, although extensive, is never boring. One of the best I have ever read about the French and their country.

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a magnificent portrayal of France and the French, November 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French (Hardcover)

As an American in France I am particularly interested, andreasonablyknowledgeable about, works on france. I found Bernstein's book to provide an accurate and lively portrayal of a subject which is all too often romanticized or written about in a condescending way.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing !!!, September 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French (Paperback)

The absolute BEST book I've ever read on France and the French. Enthusiastic though unbiased, extensive and extremely well-documented but never dry or boring, lively but not too "journalist-like", this is an absolute must-read for whoever has an interest in this fascinating - though sometimes hard to grasp - country. Readers will likely understand France better thanks to this book. A real masterpiece. The author's knowledge of France (its history, famous authors, historians, politics, cultural patterns) is simply astonishing.