Now in its second edition, Tyler Stovall’s Transnational France takes a transnational approach to the history of modern France that draws the reader into a key aspect of France’s political universalism.
Beginning with the French Revolution and its aftermath, Stovall traces French history right up to the present day and examines France’s relations with three other areas of the Europe, the United States, and France’s colonial empire. The book shines a light onto both French identity and the history of the world more broadly, which allows the reader to engage with French history in a much wider context. This new edition features an additional chapter on France in the twenty-first century that offers an analysis of current events and issues as seen through historical perspective. Issues addressed include anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and the gilets jaunes, as well as the impact of Brexit, the maturation of the National Front under Marine LePen, and the administration of Emmanuel Macron.
Giving a global view of France’s history, this is the perfect volume for students of modern France and French history courses.
I really enjoyed Stovall's pace and style. There were many times when I found it hard to put the book down. He makes a compelling argument about the sustained role of universalism in the modern history of France. While I found his mention of universalism repetitive at times, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading more of his works and am eager to pick up another history book soon.
I learned A LOT--- but also was a little annoyed by how the author would go forward and then back in time within the same paragraph. A timeline at the end of each chapter would have been much appreciated.