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Provence: A Cultural History
Celebrated by writers from Petrach to Peter Mayle, Provence's rugged mountains, wild maquis, and lavender-filled meadows are world-famous. Martin Garrett explores a region littered with ancient monuments and medieval castles. Looking at the vibrant dockside atmosphere of Lubéron, he considers how writers like Mistral and Daudet have captured the character of a place and its people. He traces the development of Provence as a Roman outpost, medieval kingdom, and modern region of France, revealing through its landmarks the people and events that have shaped its often tumultuous history. Through its architecture, literature, and popular culture, this book analyzes and celebrates the identity of a region famous for its pastis and pétanque. Linking the past to the present, it also evokes the intense light and sun-baked stones that have attracted generations of painters and writers.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 16, 2013
This book is a strange mix. First, I would say, that unless you know Provence and have a love or affinity for it, this book would probably be pretty dull and boring. However, if you know the towns and villages of Provence, and have an interest in their history and culture, then this book may reveal some hidden delights.
However, the reason I initially stated that it is a 'strange mix', is because I found some of it very stimulating and deeply interesting, and other parts of it so dry and boring, it was a challenge to carry on reading.
Generally the accounts of the more ancient history are the most dull, whereas the accounts of the middle ages and particularly of the 1600s onwards, are much more vibrant and stimulating, and at times, even witty.
It often feels as if the chapters have been written by different contributors and edited together by the author, but we are assured that this is not the case. Maybe I just became more adjusted to the style as I persevered with the text.
So, in conclusion, first I would say, that unless you are a lover of Provence and know the area reasonably well, then this book would probably be of little interest. Also you need to be a lover of local history if this book is to whet your reading appetite. The photographic plates are poorly presented and sometimes hardly seem to relate to the text, and could be much more effective. It's a book I will take with me next time I visit Provence, and I will certainly look out for and visit some of the more obscure places mentioned, and seek out the buildings and streets to see the historical sites for myself. Then maybe, I suspect this book will come into its own
However, the reason I initially stated that it is a 'strange mix', is because I found some of it very stimulating and deeply interesting, and other parts of it so dry and boring, it was a challenge to carry on reading.
Generally the accounts of the more ancient history are the most dull, whereas the accounts of the middle ages and particularly of the 1600s onwards, are much more vibrant and stimulating, and at times, even witty.
It often feels as if the chapters have been written by different contributors and edited together by the author, but we are assured that this is not the case. Maybe I just became more adjusted to the style as I persevered with the text.
So, in conclusion, first I would say, that unless you are a lover of Provence and know the area reasonably well, then this book would probably be of little interest. Also you need to be a lover of local history if this book is to whet your reading appetite. The photographic plates are poorly presented and sometimes hardly seem to relate to the text, and could be much more effective. It's a book I will take with me next time I visit Provence, and I will certainly look out for and visit some of the more obscure places mentioned, and seek out the buildings and streets to see the historical sites for myself. Then maybe, I suspect this book will come into its own
November 12, 2018
Informative with the context of the region of Provence. It was helpful in the context of my history class since I am currently in the area. The chapters were a bit all of the place compared to a linear history timeline from other historical texts I have read. Overall, the text was very informative, interesting but, too long in some cases and needs more editing.
June 6, 2021
It's not a picture book :(
July 9, 2025
Rather dry and repetitive.
November 28, 2015
This is not a book. This is a collection of randomly stitched together brochures.
It gets a second star on account of a few gems - interesting nuggets on Charles Dickens in Avignon, for example - but just when things get good, it abruptly ends. Tant pis.
It gets a second star on account of a few gems - interesting nuggets on Charles Dickens in Avignon, for example - but just when things get good, it abruptly ends. Tant pis.
July 1, 2012
Mildly interesting.
March 12, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews