The Discovery of France
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:8th Aug '24
£12.99
This title is due to be published on 8th August, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
'An extraordinary journey of discovery' - Daily Telegraph
'Pedals along with never a dull paragraph . . . dazzling' - The Sunday Times
Ten years ago, I began to explore the country on which I was supposed to be an authority . . .
France is a country famous for its intellectuals, its philosophers and writers, its fashion, food and wine. And yet the notion of 'the French' as one nation is relatively recent and - historically speaking - quite misleading. In order to discover the true past of France, Graham Robb realized it was necessary not only to go back in time, but also to go at a slower pace than modern life generally allows. The Discovery of France - illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises -is the result of Robb's 14,000-mile journey across France on a bicycle.
Winner of both the Duff Cooper and the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prizes, The Discovery of France is a modern non-fiction classic, a literary exploration of a remarkable nation. From maps and migration to magic, language and landscape, it reveals a France few will recognize.
Part of the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the best of modern literature
Exhilarating . . . a stunning journey through the historical landscape of France. * Independent *
Elegant, entertaining and occasionally brilliant. * The Observer *
At once history, psychogeography, itinerary and cabinet of curiosities . . . will delight even the most indolent armchair traveller. * Telegraph *
A dazzling and moving contribution to a long tradition. * The Sunday Times *
There's any amount of treasure to be found here. * Evening Standard *
A gently mesmerising, always brilliant exposition, and a vibrant biography of forgotten France. * The Herald *
An astute sociological catalogue, and an extraordinary journey of discovery. * Irish Independent *
An astonishing, eccentric book . . . Robb carries the reader along on flawless prose. * The Times *
Beautifully written and truly eccentric. * Times Literary Supplement *
A fascinating diversion. * Daily Mail *
Robb is a fascinating and hugely knowledgeable guide to a country that we only thought we knew. * London Review of Books *
- Winner of Duff Cooper Prize 2008 (UK)
- Long-listed for BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize 2008 (UK)
ISBN: 9781035039197
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
512 pages