Modern France: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

If someone were to ask me to write a summary of modern France that was only about 140 moderate-to-small sized pages, I'm not sure how I would handle the task. I've spent enough time in France and read enough books about the country and its history that I would probably spend as much time just trying to select topics as I would actually writing. The history of France itself is an incredibly detailed and interesting one, but how would I describe modern France itself in such a short space? I fear I would not be able to, easily becoming caught up in all the topics, themes, currents, events, and movements that have added up to making France what it is today.So, when I saw a new book that purports to summarize Modern France in such a format, I was a tiny bit skeptical. Interested, but skeptical. The advantage of short, summarized works, of course, is that the author does the hard work of slicing out, selecting, and summarizing from vast swaths of source material to develop something that is easily digestible. The drawback, also of course, is that such summaries rarely can convey "essence" without throwing away all the details that are essential components of that very essence." But, to my delight, Vanessa Schwartz has done a very good job with this challenging task in her new book, which is part of Oxford's already truly outstanding "Very Short Introduction" series.Schwartz's book, though a delight for anyone interested in France, is also very well suited for those new to the topic and wishing to be introduced to this fascinating country. The book provides an introductory framework that uses the French Revolution as both its starting point and an orienting guidepost for all things Franco-Modern, and then quickly (and really quickly, due to the length constraints) hits on the high points of the modern state. We read of movements (the communards, consumerism, etc.), the role of the French language in France and around the world, as well as modern realities (the TGV, the Concorde jet, tourism, etc.) as part of this story. And although there is little time to dwell on any of these things, Schwartz has done a great job of weaving much divergent, yet nevertheless, intertwined content into a highly readable narrative that is accessible to nearly anyone. It's as enjoyable to read as it is impressive for its coverage.I could easily see this book used as a supplemental text for someone studying French and wishing to get a broader understanding of France today. It could also be used by someone planning their first trip to France, and wanting to understand the country just a bit more before the trip (yet it must be said that France is a country that probably needs to be understood from the inside out, as much as the outside in). But it can also be used by anyone with an interest in France and who just wishes to see a new author cut a curve of prose through this fascinating country. The book's readability, pocketability, and content coverage make it not only an excellent addition to the wonderful Oxford series of "A Very Short Introduction", but as a work in its own right. Five stars.Also See:For the opposite type of book, where the detail is rich, thick, and extended, see Pierre Nora's highly acclaimed three-volume set in English (translated): Realms of Memory: Rethinking the French Past, Vol. 1 - Conflicts and Divisions Realms of Memory: Rethinking the French Past, Vol. 2 - Traditions Realms of Memory: Rethinking the French Past, Vol. 3 - Symbols For a truly fascinating and unusual text about the development of modern France, I highly recommend: The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography For some other excellent books in 'A Very Short Introduction to ..." that I've enjoyed: The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) Descartes: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

I haven't read extensively about France, but I couldn't tell if this book was trying to give a history, or else more of a literary-criticism style overview. It would have helped to define up front what "modern" even meant; I assume it's the period 1789-present, as there is little about events prior to that.

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Vanessa Schwartz has written a wonderful book about the glories of Paris, of French art and French film, and about the French obsession with their language. The chapter on the French Revoution, which was the beginning of everything, is especially strong -- and her treatment of France's conflicts and contradictions today is sober and smart. It's a great example of how a "very short" book can also be (in the words of Patrice Higgonet) "quite brilliant."

More amplification of certain points.

a good summary