Examines the elite educational systems and social world of youth in secular and religious boarding schools of France in the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on male and female youth societies created within educational institutions. Looks at different kinds of structure and ritual characterizing boys' and girls' schools, weaving together formal sociological theory and the analysis of literary texts. Investigation is anchored in a theory of structural ritualization developed by the authors. The authors are affiliated with Oklahoma State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)