A World History of France

This book was edited by Patrick Boucheron, a professor at the Collège de France, and written with contributions from 122 history professors and researchers affiliated with institutions including the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the French School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, Sciences Po, and the National Archives. What makes this work distinctive is that it is neither a traditional history of France nor a traditional world history, but rather “a history of France interpreted through the materials of world history.” Using a chronological framework, from prehistoric times to 2015, the authors select significant historical events and phenomena across fields including politics, literature, medicine, art, and education, and explore the mutual influences and connections between France and the wider world. France and the world blend naturally throughout this book, making it a fascinating innovation among history books worldwide.