The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography

The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography

by Graham Robb
The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography

The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography

by Graham Robb

Paperback

$18.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Usually ships within 6 days
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

"A witty, engaging narrative style…[Robb's] approach is particularly engrossing." —New York Times Book Review

A narrative of exploration—full of strange landscapes and even stranger inhabitants—that explains the enduring fascination of France. While Gustave Eiffel was changing the skyline of Paris, large parts of France were still terra incognita. Even in the age of railways and newspapers, France was a land of ancient tribal divisions, prehistoric communication networks, and pre-Christian beliefs. French itself was a minority language.

Graham Robb describes that unknown world in arresting narrative detail. He recounts the epic journeys of mapmakers, scientists, soldiers, administrators, and intrepid tourists, of itinerant workers, pilgrims, and herdsmen with their millions of migratory domestic animals. We learn how France was explored, charted, and colonized, and how the imperial influence of Paris was gradually extended throughout a kingdom of isolated towns and villages.

The Discovery of France explains how the modern nation came to be and how poorly understood that nation still is today. Above all, it shows how much of France—past and present—remains to be discovered.

A New York Times Notable Book, Publishers Weekly Best Book, Slate Best Book, and Booklist Editor's Choice.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780393333640
Publisher: Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date: 10/17/2008
Pages: 496
Sales rank: 453,576
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Graham Robb is the author of three prize-winning biographies, each selected as New York Times Best Books. His books, including The Discovery of Middle Earth, Parisians, and The Discovery of France, have earned several awards. He lives on the Anglo-Scottish border.
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews