This text is a concise publication on France, the land, its people and its great contribution to world culture. It contains a chronological account of the most important events which have shaped France and the French society in the course of centuries and a compact overview of the country's arts and letters. It is a guide to places of interest, historic sites, famous monuments and art treasures and provides essential information for all those interested in France. It is suitable for use as a college manual of French Civilization, a "companion to French studies" and a "travel companion" to sophisticated visitors of France. It is the first history of French civilization in English, an invaluable reference tool for scholars, and a must for libraries.
«Such a substantial and useful book... it does indeed fulfill the need I pointed out.» (Laurence Wylie, Harvard University)
«Most histories of France in French assume prior knowledge that American students lack... Wagner has made her account accessible... by telling it quite simply and illustrating it profusely with drawings, commemorative stamps and photos of historic paintings and buildings. She also gives much more attention than either Knapton or Bertier to social and art history, without neglecting the main political events.» (Howard Nostrand, University of Washington)
«'From Gaul to De Gaulle' will undoubtedly be welcomed by many. Indeed, for the reader who seeks a concise manual in English offering a foundation in the major periods and characteristics of French civilization, this book may prove the only choice.» (Tobin H. Jones, in The French Review)
«This book fills an important gap in the field and should be of great interest both to scholars and the public at large. Wagner's extensive knowledge and meticulous research have resulted in an excellent portrayal of what has shaped French society, history, and culture. This accessible and attractive text ties together accurately and concisely historic and cultural developments and enlightens them in fascinating detail...its pace is quick enough to read almost as a novel.» (Brian Morton, The University of Michigan)
«...unique in its kind... It will be very useful to the profession.» (Richard Vernier, Wayne State University)
«Most histories of France in French assume prior knowledge that American students lack... Wagner has made her account accessible... by telling it quite simply and illustrating it profusely with drawings, commemorative stamps and photos of historic paintings and buildings. She also gives much more attention than either Knapton or Bertier to social and art history, without neglecting the main political events.» (Howard Nostrand, University of Washington)
«'From Gaul to De Gaulle' will undoubtedly be welcomed by many. Indeed, for the reader who seeks a concise manual in English offering a foundation in the major periods and characteristics of French civilization, this book may prove the only choice.» (Tobin H. Jones, in The French Review)
«This book fills an important gap in the field and should be of great interest both to scholars and the public at large. Wagner's extensive knowledge and meticulous research have resulted in an excellent portrayal of what has shaped French society, history, and culture. This accessible and attractive text ties together accurately and concisely historic and cultural developments and enlightens them in fascinating detail...its pace is quick enough to read almost as a novel.» (Brian Morton, The University of Michigan)
«...unique in its kind... It will be very useful to the profession.» (Richard Vernier, Wayne State University)