The Course of French History

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.