France: A Short History: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya

In terms of chronology and themes, this short history of France is really a political history of the period between ca. 700 until modern times.The period before the year 1000 gets only a few pages: pre-history (4 p.), Roman (6 p.), early medieval period (11 p.). The French Revolution (1789-99) is explained in 22 pages.This main focus is on the development of the state, with special attention for warfare, the many internal conflicts within 'France', the deeds of various kings and emperors. There are also interesting sections on the memory wars, for example concerning Vichy. There is much less attention for cultural developments, the livelihoods of normal people, and personalities of people and leaders. This choice is understandable, but for the casual reader this might not really work.

Gifted British historian Jeremy Black here undertakes something of a "Mission: Impossible": a short history of France. He largely succeeds, with a gift for concise narration and an acute sense for the many influences on a nation with a complicated history. Here is France, from Roman times through the 2019 fire that destroyed much of Notre Dame.The author is at pains to capture the many ethnic, social, economic, and political trends that have helped shape French history. From the beginning, France's position on the mainland of Europe meant boundaries within France and with other nations were subject to constant change. The lack of a central controlling political entity meant centuries of working out what France might be, and who might control it. The Romans, Europe's Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars all had significant impact. In more recent times, two World Wars and the loss of France's overseas possessions have led to a present day concerned largely but not exclusively with internal politics and the European Union.Throughout, the author takes a detached perspective that notes the many contradictions, and the qualities an outsider associates with France. For example, this reviewer particularly enjoyed the brief but unsparing handling of the legacy of French collaboration with Nazi occupiers during the Second World War. The text includes a small selection of photographs and maps. Very well recommended to the general reader.

This book is very wordy and definitely University level reading, however once I got used to the style of writing I really enjoyed it and leaned so much

To my mind rather dry and unengaging. I will probably return to it and give it another chance. Whilst I’m sure it has its readership as an introduction to French history in advance of a holiday I found John Julius Norwich’s France: From Gaul to De Gaulle much more satisfying, amusing, readable and full of personality… and personalities.

Uni set text. Sent me to sleep. Wasn't even an audible version. Uninspiring. Missed many opportunities for humour and making the subject engaging.