The Past in French History

by Robert Gildea

This fascinating book offers a new perspective on French history and political culture by examining how the commemoration of the past pervades French public life. The book surveys the ways that various political communities in France during the past two centuries-proponents of revolution and counterrevolution, church and state, centralism and regionalism, and national identity and nationalism-have used different versions of the past in order to define their identities and legitimate their goals.

Genres: History, France

432 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 1994

About the author

Robert Nigel Gildea FBA FRHistS is Emeritus Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford and is the author of several influential books on 20th century French history.

Reviews

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is alive and well in the present. Well, I should say that interpretation of history and the struggle of groups, etc. to make their version of history dominant is ever present. It is the struggle to interpret the same events, people, etc. by differing groups in their own terms, for their own purposes, the continuing competition for dominance, and rise and fall of competing interpretations that makes this book lively. The examples are from French history, of course, but the underlying theme of the book could use examples from our own history. You do need to have some background in French history to fully appreciate this book. But a good general historical overview will be sufficient. Overall, this book reminds us that history is relevant for how we currently live our lives.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for my thesis. I'm fascinated with the misuse of historical discourse/symbols/people in contemporary politics. This was a wonderful place to start when writing on that topic in a French context.