Customer Reviews

Les Français (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book gives excellent insight into the differences between the French and the American. The authors do an excellent job of describing and explaining the influences on French children and young adults that form their societal views on the world. Each section gives excellent description of essential differences and similarities between the two on the various aspects of life, including body language, history, weather, etc. It also helps if you read French fluently.

Les Francais by Laurence Wylie is worth its textbook price for the serious intermediate student of French. Meticulously edited so that its material is coherant, demanding and ultimately accessible, it offers intelligent and objective commentary on the history and current trends of contemporary French culture. As an adult student of French language (and hence to some degree an autodidact) I hesitated before buying the book, partly due to its price and partly due to my concern that a textbook might not be useful outside a classroom environment. Yet among all the useful books on French language and culture I've bought, it's probably the best value and the best use of my time I've encountered.

This book was used for a 300-level college French course. It primarily discusses modern French culture, and makes some comparisons between French and U.S. culture. The book itself is written entirely in French, but every once in a blue moon there are italicized words in English, indicating that this book is meant for English-speakers who are learning about France. There are a bunch of photos (black and white), and the back of the book has several discussion questions and review questions ("Qui a dit quoi?") for each chapter. Overall, a very good textbook for anyone who speaks French.

I received the book and was very unhappy. It said that there would be no highlighting or writing. That was a lie. Not to mention a whole section of the book fell out. Do not by from this vendor!