Through French Windows: An Introduction to France in the Nineties

by John Corbett

Through French Windows is a journey into contemporary French culture and society. By describing the country's education, religion, politics, finances, technology and telecommunications, and social and ethical issues, Corbett draws a portrait of present-day France.

The author provides background information necessary for understanding the changes that continue to evolve. Corbett conscientiously avoids the traditional and simplistic means of portraying France that emphasizes the cultural heritage of the country. Instead he provides an insider's view of France, separating that mythic image from the current reality. Further, he presents an accurate portrayal of the diversity of France by moving beyond the typical dichotomy between Paris and the rest of the country or the oversimplification of dividing the country into north and south.

Genres: France

426 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 1994

About the author

John Corbett is a Capes International Fellow and Visiting Professor at the University of Sao Paulo. He was previously a Professor and Head of the English Department at the University of Macao, and before that a Professor at the University of Glasgow, where he served as Head of the Department of English Language. He has published widely on diverse topics, including Scottish literature and the Scots language, literary translation, intercultural language education, and corpus linguistics. He is an Honorary Vice-President of the Association for Scottish Literary Studies and he has twice chaired the MLA Scottish Literature Forum.