Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French

by Richard Bernstein

"The most penetrating account of contemporary France we're ever likely to own. In looking for clues to French character, the author explores everything from wine culture to cultural politics, movies, food and the higher eroticism."— New York Times

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.

Genres: France, History, Nonfiction, Cultural, Politics, Travel

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Richard Paul Bernstein was an American journalist, columnist, and author. He wrote the Letter from America column for the International Herald Tribune. He was a book critic at The New York Times and a foreign correspondent for both Time magazine and The New York Times in Europe and Asia.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before my 2006 trip to France, the Rick Steves (Travels in Europe) website listed this book as a good insight into the French view life. It was an invaluable aid in understanding the wonderful French culture. I'm glad I read it before my visit.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inherited this book from the library of a dearly departed friend, who had lived in France and who loved the French culture. As bureau chief of the The New York Times in Paris, Bernstein leads the reader through all aspects of life in France, from politics, to cuisine, style, attitudes, and personal philosophies of the French. Though references to political figures reflect the author's time there in the eighties, he presents a panorama of the country and the people with both honesty and humor.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good portrait of France/French albeit quite focused on the political aspect. Written in 1990 - amazingly not much has changed..

[micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining and informative. a helpful read before i moved to france