France
A Short History: From Gaul to de Gaulle
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France
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Narrated by:
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John Julius Norwich
About this listen
A witty approach to 2,000 years of French history from legendary popular historian John Julius Norwich.
I can still feel, as if it were yesterday, the excitement of my first Channel crossing (as a child of nearly seven) in September 1936; the regiment of porters, smelling asphyxiatingly of garlic in their blue-green blousons; the raucous sound all around me of spoken French; the immense fields of Normandy strangely devoid of hedges; then the Gare du Nord at twilight, the policemen with their képis and their little snow-white batons; and my first sight of the Eiffel Tower....
This book is written in the belief that the average English-speaking man or woman has remarkably little knowledge of French history. We may know a bit about Napoleon or Joan of Arc or Louis XIV, but for most of us that's about it. In my own three schools we were taught only about the battles we won: Crécy and Poitiers, Agincourt and Waterloo. The rest was silence. So here is my attempt to fill in the blanks....
John Julius Norwich (at 88) has finally written the book he always wanted to write, the extremely colourful story of the country he loves best. From frowning Roman generals and belligerent Gallic chieftains to Charlemagne (hated by generations of French children taught that he invented schools) through Marie Antoinette and the storming of the Bastille to Vichy, the Resistance and beyond, France is packed with heroes and villains, adventures and battles, romance and revolution. Full of memorable stories and racy anecdotes, this is the perfect introduction to the country that has inspired the rest of the world to live, dress, eat - and love better.
©2018 John Julius Norwich (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about France
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Elaine & Edward Jackson
- 13-07-18
An absolute tour de force!
This was a pure joy to listen to. Norwich’s passion for France comes across in his every word. I was so sad to finish this book especially knowing it was his last prior to his death.
I felt like applauding at the end, it was such a wonderful book. Lord Norwich will be much missed by many including myself. If you’ve yet to read anything by him, don’t hesitate in picking this book.
I could listen to the whole thing again and would be in for a real treat.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs. Ann M. Mcmahon
- 16-03-21
Vive la France!
This is not the most recent or the most up-to-date history of France, and it ends shortly after World War II, but, given all of that, it is a rollicking great story told with evident love for his subject by a man who knew France as well as anyone and who loved France wholeheartedly all his long life. I loved it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Alžběta
- 19-06-23
A beautiful celebration of France.
I must be upfront about my bias here because I LOVE John Julius Norwich's writing. Whatever historical period he writes about, it's always fascinating and entertaining and feels more like listening to stories of your grandpa's youth. (That was one of my favourite things as a child - sitting and listening to my grandfather's stories about growing up during WWII and the adventures of his young days.)
"France" is the author's celebration of and love letter to the country that fascinated him throughout his life. Like all of Norwich's books, "France" is light, entertaining, brilliant, and razor-sharp reading. Most enjoyable and highly recommended!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia
- 17-05-20
très intéressant !
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt that this was how history should be told. hardly filled with dates but with anecdotes and stories. it was also fast-paced enough. not a boring moment.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MikeH
- 10-03-22
Par... excellent
Outstanding book, joyful., tearful, and ultimately vivid. No better account of French history yet
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lily Ann
- 25-05-24
Interesting
I read parts of it several times, and was particularly interested in the final chapters deal with the second world War.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Vitória Sanvicente
- 28-06-19
Well narrated, informative and concise
A task as ambitious as narrating practically the whole history of France was beautifully mastered by Julius Norwich, who I enjoyed listening to as he took me through the steps of French history. This book has given me a good overview of the country's history and I will definitely take it as a starting point for further learning.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Michael Doury
- 10-08-18
Excellent, entertaining and erudite
It is as though you are in the room with him, and he is telling you a favourite story not reading from a book.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Happy Solak
- 14-05-19
Thoughtful, witty and illuminating
Wonderfully read by the author, this is the perfect general history of France in English.
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-12-18
Excellent
Comprehensive and very amusing in parts, well told and an easy listen well worth it
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1 person found this helpful