Praise for the previous
"...provides a concise and interesting account of the history of France. It is most appropriate for university collections and could be used as [a] textbook for undergraduate classes in European or French studies." -American Reference Books Annual
From the Enlightenment and the French Revolution to colonialism in the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia, France has had a profound impact on the modern world. Famous for its cultural and political contributions to civilization, France now occupies a central role in the European Union, of which it is the largest member state.
A Brief History of France, Second Edition, offers a broad overview of the country's history, from the prehistoric Neanderthals to the present nation at the heart of the European Union, while also exploring the country's geography, culture, and society. Accompanied by a wealth of color photographs, maps, and informative sidebars, this updated resource provides an engaging and accessible introduction to the rich and tumultuous history of France.
Coverage includes:
- Migration and eventual defeat of the Gauls by the Romans under Julius Caesar
- Wave of invasions of Germanic tribes from central and eastern Europe
- Christianity and the Kingdom of the Franks
- Joan of Arc and the making of the monarchy
- The French Revolution
- Republican rule
- Food and fashion
- Two world wars and the interwar years
- Regeneration and transformation
- Contemporary culture and leisure
- Issues of cultural assimilation and multiculturalism
- Political tensions and fractionalization in the 21st century
Full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps. Bibliography. Suggested reading. Rulers of France. Chronology. Sidebars.