A History of France [Paperback]

Few modern countries can boast of such a lengthy history as France, whose distinctive shape has been a key feature of the successive stages of European history during the past millennium. This engaging narrative seamlessly weaves together the complex tale of French history since the year 1000.

Bringing together political, religious, social and cultural developments, A History of France provides an insightful and readable overview of the country's history as it moved from a dominant position within Europe  with an empire stretching across the continents  to one in which it was invaded and occupied by its largest neighbour. Through revolution, war and peace, Joseph Bergin explores how the Frankland of 1000 CE has mutated into the France we know today.

Few modern countries can boast of such a lengthy history as France, a staple of European maps for the last millennium. This engaging narrative analyses French political, social and cultural history since 987, in a single volume. Through revolution, war and peace, it explores how the Frankland of 1000AD has grown into the France we know today.

List of Maps.- List of Abbreviations.- Preface.- Introduction.- 1. Capetian Beginnings.- 2. A Society and Polity in Crisis and Recovery.- 3. The Ancien R?gime in the Making.- 4. Enlightenment, Revolution and Empire.- 5. Obstructed Paths.- 6. Difficulties and Dangers.- 7. Two Wars and a Peace.- 8. The Trente Glorieuses and After.- Epilogue.- Bibliography.- Index.

This short history should be on every student reading list, and it can also be heartily recommended to all with an interest in the story of one of Europes greatest nations. (Robert Tombs, Oxford University Press Journals  French Studies, Vol. 71, January, 2017)? ?

Joseph Bergin?is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Manchester, UK, and Fellow of the British Academy. He is a series editor for Palgrave Macmillal3œ