The Course of French History

by Pierre Goubert, Maarten Ultee (Translator)

This one-volume history traces the social and economic evolution of France as a nation from the founding of the monarchy in 987, to the present day. Against a broad background of structural change, Goubert's accounts of such key events as the Carolingian Renaissance, the Hundred Years War, the reign of Louis XIV, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the two World Wars and the era of De Gaulle, together with his colourful portraits of the personalities who influenced these events, seek to bring the turbulent course of French history to life. His perspective is a popular one and his interpretation emphazises how political events and famous people affect the nation as a whole. This synthesis of approaches creates a balanced survey which combines broad chronological scope and a detailed examination of the leading personalities and events of the period, with a "history from below" analysis. This rich interpretative approach is enlivened by Goubert's distinctively animated and forceful narrative. This book should be of interest to students and teachers of history and French studies from introductory level upwards.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, France, Historical

495 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[James Empson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a high school text book of French history, only with “attitude”, which keeps you turning the page to find out what the author really thinks (and earned the extra star). Also yo be recommending are the brief overviews of complex situations which the author subsequently returns to on greater depth with analyses of key players, social and economic background and very limited (but key) statistics.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and brisk overview, although at times the author assumes readers already know a significant amount about certain events & figures. 3.5*

[Adam Gossman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read The Course of French History in preparation for a trip to Paris after seeing that it was recommended in Rick Steve's guidebook. The author, an economic historian, provides a macro-level view that is clearly intended for a French audience (this version is an English translation), and this did not really meet the needs of someone like myself, with a limited knowledge of French history. Assuming that most readers would be familiar with major figures and events, the book instead focused on major economic and cultural trends. (In fact, the most detailed sections were on the American Revolution.) This is certainly no criticism of the book, but it certainly wasn't the right text for me.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language is a bit cumbersome, but I think it is good for me to have to read alongside my dictionary sometimes. The way France's history was presented was very interesting. More like a story than a typical history book because we learn of the life of all classes, economics, religion, etc for each time period in addition to the typical wars and political intrigues that are normally recounted. I feel like this book has given me a very good overview of France's history. I did need to supplement it with Wikipedia at times when I found I lacked the historical background to understand all goubert's references.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry but detailed

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonably good overview of French history. Medieval sections were best, 20th Century Material was rather weak