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History of France: A Captivating Guide to French History
If you want to discover the influential and captivating history of France, then read on… Free History BONUS Inside! France has influenced the course of history in Europe and the world for centuries. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful countries and home to some of the world’s most visited tourist locations, France has enthralled and fascinated the people who’ve discovered that, in many ways, the history of France encompasses both the good and bad in the human character. The French have rightly prided themselves on their food, fashion, painting, sculpture, theater, films, and literature, among much else. The names Escoffier, Saint-Laurent, Monet, Rodin, Moliere, Truffaut, and Voltaire are known throughout the world. The famous Eiffel Tower is recognized as the symbol of France to people in the most remote places of the globe, but there is so much more to the history of France than escargot, wine, Impressionism, and movies. In this book, you’ll learn the history of France and of the French, one of the most fascinating, frightening, and inspiring histories of them all. In History of A Captivating Guide to French History, you will discover topics such The simple facts about France—its population, economy, and geographyThe surprisingly advanced world of the Gauls and their famous leader Vercingetorix, who waged a bloody war against the Romans and Julius CaesarThe great emperor Charlemagne, who created the largest and strongest military and the greatest empire after the fall of Rome and who was also the first “Holy RomanThe legendary Joan of Arc, the teenager who victoriously inspired the armies of France against the English in the 15th centuryThe amazing world of Louis XIV and his beautiful and grandiose Palace of VersaillesThe bloody, inspiring struggle for freedom that was the French Revolution and how it still influences revolutions and politics todayThe brilliant Napoleon Bonaparte, the Corsican-born “foreigner” who built an empire using the force of his will and who was ahead of his time, enacting military tactics that are still studied today in military academies around the worldThe tragic Franco-Prussian War and how it led to the bloody wars of the 20th century in EuropeFrance’s brave role in World War IThe tragedy of WWII, the French Resistance, and collaborationThe internal struggles of France since the end of the Second World WarAnd much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the history of France!
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2021
209 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 3, 2021
Pretty Good!
I’ve read other books about the origins of the country of France, and it’s people. Though this book is small, it contains a lot of interesting information and details.
The book goes way back, several thousand years, to the old days, the Roman days. The days of conquering and tribes and tribal warfare.
The development of the different languages and religions and the political power of the Pope. The growing strength of the king, which led to an autocracy, which in turn, led to their growth of power through many wars and revolution.
It talks about the fame of “the little general,” Napoleon Bonaparte. His wars, his bravery, and later, his imperialist behavior, which led to his downfall. Well, what can you expect?
You’ll read about the creation of modern France and its culture. Its contribution to science, technology and philosophy, are discussed.
And you will probably find this book enjoyable. Don’t believe me? Read it yourself.
I’ve read other books about the origins of the country of France, and it’s people. Though this book is small, it contains a lot of interesting information and details.
The book goes way back, several thousand years, to the old days, the Roman days. The days of conquering and tribes and tribal warfare.
The development of the different languages and religions and the political power of the Pope. The growing strength of the king, which led to an autocracy, which in turn, led to their growth of power through many wars and revolution.
It talks about the fame of “the little general,” Napoleon Bonaparte. His wars, his bravery, and later, his imperialist behavior, which led to his downfall. Well, what can you expect?
You’ll read about the creation of modern France and its culture. Its contribution to science, technology and philosophy, are discussed.
And you will probably find this book enjoyable. Don’t believe me? Read it yourself.
September 3, 2021
Ich wollte schon lange etwas aus der "Captivating History" Linie lesen. In diesem Fall handelt es sich um eine leichtverständliche und konzise Zusammenfassung der französischen Geschichte, die bis in die Zeit Macrons reicht. An Tiefe fehlt es allerdings. Geschichte bedeutet hier vor allem Ereignisgeschichte. Einblicke in Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft und Kultur gibt es kaum.
April 5, 2023
Pretty quick read with a high level overview of the history of France.
June 23, 2021
Jason Zenobia charmingly reads this history of France without a stutter or a stammer over the fascinating array of French and other names. This history of the French people starts with the 1940 discovery of the Lascaux cave paintings. They have proven to be from 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. People migrations are mentioned in relation to Gaul and then the discussion begins about the Gauls and the Romans.
Captivating History highlights some of the most important people to affect Gaul/France, such as Vercingetorix, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and the French kings, particularly Louis XIV. Through Louis XIV's excesses and the kings that followed him, the reader gets a good understanding of the causes and activities of the French Revolution. Of course, a chunk of the book covered Napoleon and his wars.
Napoleon had a profound effect; he ended the French Revolution, created the Napoleonic Code of Laws (used in Louisiana to this day), and changed feudal Europe in several ways with his emphasis on freedom and social equality.
The Industrial Revolution did not start in France but they quickly jumped on the bandwagon because of the increased prosperity. There was a revival of French arts and culture because of the stability in the country. However, the country France has been watching with worried eyes, Germany, suddenly emerged as an aggressive country in Europe. Then, there is the development of the first World War. But I found most interesting to be the analysis of France between the wars.
Much of the final chapters dealt with World War II and its aftermath. I vaguely remember Charles de Gaulle but this discussion of what he did was enlightening. Then, the conclusion was most interesting because of the collaboration vs. resistance views of the French. It seems that after all this time, it has come out that more French collaborated than resisted during the war.
The photos and maps helped explain some of the discussions. However, "Illustration 55: Oradour-sur-Glane, France" was the most evocative. The city sits as it did on the date following the massacre of 600 civilians by the Germans. This book concentrates on the highlights and major points of French history. In so few pages, it would be impossible to offer more.
Captivating History highlights some of the most important people to affect Gaul/France, such as Vercingetorix, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and the French kings, particularly Louis XIV. Through Louis XIV's excesses and the kings that followed him, the reader gets a good understanding of the causes and activities of the French Revolution. Of course, a chunk of the book covered Napoleon and his wars.
Napoleon had a profound effect; he ended the French Revolution, created the Napoleonic Code of Laws (used in Louisiana to this day), and changed feudal Europe in several ways with his emphasis on freedom and social equality.
The Industrial Revolution did not start in France but they quickly jumped on the bandwagon because of the increased prosperity. There was a revival of French arts and culture because of the stability in the country. However, the country France has been watching with worried eyes, Germany, suddenly emerged as an aggressive country in Europe. Then, there is the development of the first World War. But I found most interesting to be the analysis of France between the wars.
Much of the final chapters dealt with World War II and its aftermath. I vaguely remember Charles de Gaulle but this discussion of what he did was enlightening. Then, the conclusion was most interesting because of the collaboration vs. resistance views of the French. It seems that after all this time, it has come out that more French collaborated than resisted during the war.
The photos and maps helped explain some of the discussions. However, "Illustration 55: Oradour-sur-Glane, France" was the most evocative. The city sits as it did on the date following the massacre of 600 civilians by the Germans. This book concentrates on the highlights and major points of French history. In so few pages, it would be impossible to offer more.
April 2, 2021
This is a great book by captivating history, which consists of the whole history of France. It starts with the earliest people of the earth and finishes till the present times.
This book contains the history of the French tribes during the time of the Roman Empire in Europe, its wars against the Romans, France during the Middle Ages, the French during the Spanish Succession, French Revolution, Napoleon, during the World War 1 and 2, and the present times.
However, it didn't include the construction of the Eiffel tower, and I was really hoping to read about that. I thought that this book will have the information on the building of the Eiffel tower, the time taken, and the number of people it required. But it didn't. I was really disappointed at that part.
This book contains the history of the French tribes during the time of the Roman Empire in Europe, its wars against the Romans, France during the Middle Ages, the French during the Spanish Succession, French Revolution, Napoleon, during the World War 1 and 2, and the present times.
However, it didn't include the construction of the Eiffel tower, and I was really hoping to read about that. I thought that this book will have the information on the building of the Eiffel tower, the time taken, and the number of people it required. But it didn't. I was really disappointed at that part.
March 22, 2021
Another awesome captivating history book
Nothing beats a captivating history book about the history of the country. I have been obsessed with these books every time they come out I can’t help but to consume them in one sitting. I absolutely love this one there’s always something to learn in a captivating history book!
Nothing beats a captivating history book about the history of the country. I have been obsessed with these books every time they come out I can’t help but to consume them in one sitting. I absolutely love this one there’s always something to learn in a captivating history book!
October 25, 2023
great quick read
Succinct and to the point if you want an overview of French history. They steppingstone into further reading to fill the gaps. History is so filled with endless detail that it can be overbearing to try to read it all at once. This is a great introduction to French history. Highly recommend.
Succinct and to the point if you want an overview of French history. They steppingstone into further reading to fill the gaps. History is so filled with endless detail that it can be overbearing to try to read it all at once. This is a great introduction to French history. Highly recommend.
February 23, 2024
It should be called "A Very Thin History of France written from an American's perspective". I don't know if this book was truly written by an American, but dang it sure feels like it. This book really focuses on some key people, but namely Napoleon. I get this person loves him, and he was a significant person. But one person is not a country's history. Ick.
February 26, 2025
Excellent history of France!
Thorough and engaging history of France. Loved the in-depth coverage that gave greater detail than most histories on the rationale behind many of the conflicts and clamor for change in this great country.
This book includes many worthwhile references for those who want to know more. -- Well done!
Thorough and engaging history of France. Loved the in-depth coverage that gave greater detail than most histories on the rationale behind many of the conflicts and clamor for change in this great country.
This book includes many worthwhile references for those who want to know more. -- Well done!
November 5, 2021
Another great book
Another great book of history. I am enjoying reading these captivating reads of history. The author does a good job on presenting the history of a nation that is easy to read and understand.
Another great book of history. I am enjoying reading these captivating reads of history. The author does a good job on presenting the history of a nation that is easy to read and understand.
July 24, 2022
Quick basic read
A neat primer on French history for the novice learner. Doesn’t do great depth on any topic and doesn’t offer much in the way of analysis, but is a quick read of the basic things that happened.
A neat primer on French history for the novice learner. Doesn’t do great depth on any topic and doesn’t offer much in the way of analysis, but is a quick read of the basic things that happened.
November 29, 2024
It is history! Learned much about France! the revolutionaries earned a 6 day work week 💀 reading about napoleon, Charlemagne, Louis 14 and 16 was interesting before going to Paris and seeing Versailles. Such a rollercoaster of history France had.
April 19, 2025
Great way to encapsulate a lot of French History! This is my second Captivating History read and I must admit I love the “cliff notes” version of these books. Tells you all the important details and everything you need to know without overwhelming you with stats.
December 22, 2025
Didn't like how the author keep referencing movies, nor "spoiled" the next chapters as if it was some comic, nor the focus in the usa in the last chapters when it's a book about the history of France.
Yet the history of France continues to be glorious.
Yet the history of France continues to be glorious.
May 18, 2022
good history book that covers all of the main historic events
Read
April 7, 2024Easy to read but a bit uneven in detail
May 14, 2025
This book is about as good as such a concise and general overview could be.
June 6, 2025
Good book on French history
It's not a long book but it gives many detailed stories. It's a good book for someone who just start to learn French history.
It's not a long book but it gives many detailed stories. It's a good book for someone who just start to learn French history.
September 7, 2023
Put Together Singular Events into an Understandable Story
I have long known, through movies or reading, of specific events in French history, however they seemed disconnected from each other. This book put them together in an understandable stream of historical development
I have long known, through movies or reading, of specific events in French history, however they seemed disconnected from each other. This book put them together in an understandable stream of historical development
May 17, 2025
Brief but interesting review of French history,
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews