La Belle France

A Short History

Alistair Horne

$49.99

Paperback

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English

Vintage Books
15 June 2006

History

La Belle France is a sweeping, grand narrative written with all the verve, erudition, and vividness that are the hallmarks of the acclaimed British historian Alistair Horne. It recounts the hugely absorbing story of the country that has contributed to the world so much talent, style, and political innovation.

Beginning with Julius Caesar's division of Gaul into three parts, Horne leads us through the ages from Charlemagne to Chirac, touring battlefields from the Hundred Years' War to Indochina and Algeria, and giving us luminous portraits of the nation's leaders, philosophers, writers, artists, and composers. This is a captivating, beautifully illustrated, and comprehensive yet concise history of France.

By: Alistair Horne
Imprint: Vintage Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 201mm, Width: 131mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 488g
ISBN: 9781400034871
ISBN 10: 1400034876
Pages: 544
Publication Date: 15 June 2006
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Alistair Horne is the author of eighteen previous books, including A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, The Price of Glory- Verdun 1916, How Far from Austerlitz?- Napoleon 1805-1815 and the official biography of British prime minister Harold Macmillan. He is a fellow at St. Anthony's College, Oxford, and lives in Oxfordshire. He was awarded the French Legion d'Honneur in 1993 and received a knighthood in 2003 for his work on French history.

Reviews for La Belle France: A Short History

Fascinating. . . . Engaging. . . . Filled with 'hot-blooded' kings, royal mistressesEand tales of cruelty, treachery and even, occasionally, heart-warming loyalty. -San Francisco Chronicle [Horne] is a virtuoso of the character sketch and the illuminating vignette. . . . La Belle France, with its refreshingly subjective style, possesses more treasures than a whole wall full of textbooks. -The Wall Street Journal A breathtaking tour of French history, from its earliest kings through the Mitterrand government. . . . There are few countries with a more fascinating history than France. -The Seattle Times A useful and charming introduction to a nation that has oh-so-definitely helped make the modern world what it is. . . . Horne does a service in helping the reader navigate the complexities of French history. -Los Angeles Times