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France: Government and Society: an Historical Survey
1957. First Edition. 275 pages. Pictorial dust jacket over red cloth. Binding remains firm. Pages are lightly tanned throughout. Previous owner's inscription and Tipp-ex to front free endpaper. Annotations and underlining to some pages. Boards have light shelf-wear with corner bumping. Slight crushing to spine ends. Unclipped jacket has moderate edgewear with chips, tears, and creasing. Light tanning to spine and edges. Wear marks overall.
Hardcover
Published January 1, 1970
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May 22, 2020
This was the first real book I've read on this subject, a broad overview of French history looking at government, politics, war, and society. This book is written in the form of an academic review, a collection of lectures, with each chapter being written by a different expert in that time period. As a result it's pretty heavy reading for a beginner.
I walked into this book knowing that it would be better to first read a general single volume history of France, then a multi-volume set before attempting this. However, I read it anyway and I don't regret it.
It's probably too specific and analytical for someone with a only a shaky foundation on the topic. However, I can't fault the book for that and it was still an enjoyable read. I definitely learned a lot from this book.
But more importantly, a spark of interest in French history has been kindled into a growing passion for the subject. I used to only be interested in French history from the revolution to the bourbon restoration and WWII, both time periods where French history largely mirrored or involved America in some fashion.
Now, I've developed varying levels of interest in all time periods of French history. I want to learn more about the 100 years war, middle ages, Renaissance, etc. I'd even like to learn more about contemporary France.
History is an addiction. And I would only recommend this book to someone who wants to add yet another place and time period to their list of historical interests. It's a solid read, just maybe start with something easier, if you're a beginner.
I walked into this book knowing that it would be better to first read a general single volume history of France, then a multi-volume set before attempting this. However, I read it anyway and I don't regret it.
It's probably too specific and analytical for someone with a only a shaky foundation on the topic. However, I can't fault the book for that and it was still an enjoyable read. I definitely learned a lot from this book.
But more importantly, a spark of interest in French history has been kindled into a growing passion for the subject. I used to only be interested in French history from the revolution to the bourbon restoration and WWII, both time periods where French history largely mirrored or involved America in some fashion.
Now, I've developed varying levels of interest in all time periods of French history. I want to learn more about the 100 years war, middle ages, Renaissance, etc. I'd even like to learn more about contemporary France.
History is an addiction. And I would only recommend this book to someone who wants to add yet another place and time period to their list of historical interests. It's a solid read, just maybe start with something easier, if you're a beginner.
Displaying 1 of 1 review