As the subtitle indicates, Graham Robb’s new book was written as a “social and geographical history” in which “‘France’ and ‘the French’ would mean something more than Paris and a few powerful individuals.” “The Discovery of France” was not formulated just off of typical scholarly references but also through Robb’s own experiences in the French countryside on his bike.
His “discoveries” give a unique perspective of France. The country is not a unified cultural body, but rather “a vast encyclopedia of micro-civilizations.” Every department has its own ample history and novel customs.
Graham Robb is coming to BYU in just a couple weeks (more info to come)! There will be a Kennedy Center lecture and opportunities to ask questions about the book. “The Discovery of France” is a page-turner and can be yours for just a few francs (big discount) through the French and Italian Department.
-david
