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.
'An extraordinary journey of discovery' Daily Telegraph
'Robb's concise and fast-paced writing pedals along with never a dull paragraph . . . dazzling' Sunday Times
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Section - i: List of Illustrations Section - ii: Maps Section - iii: Itinerary Chapter - 1: The Undiscovered Continent Chapter - 2: the Tribes of France, I Chapter - 3: The Tribes of France, II Chapter - 4: O Òc Sí Bai Ya Win Oui Oyi Awè Jo Ja Oua Chapter - 5: Living in France, I: The Face in the Museum Chapter - 6: Living in France, II: A Simple Life Chapter - 7: Fairies, Virgins, Gods and Priests Chapter - 8: Migrants and Commuters Unit - INTERLUDE: The Sixty Million Others Chapter - 9: Maps Chapter - 10: Empire Chapter - 11: Travelling in France, I: The Avenues of Paris Chapter - 12: Travelling in France, II: The Hare and the Tortoise Chapter - 13: Colonization Chapter - 14: The Wonders of France Chapter - 15: Postcards of the Natives Chapter - 16: Lost Provinces Chapter - 17: Journey to the Centre of France Section - iv: Epilogue: Secrets Section - v: Chronology Section - vi: Notes Section - vii: Works Cited Index - viii: General Index Index - ix: Geographical Index Acknowledgements - x: Acknowledgements
