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A Certain Idea of France
The Life of Charles de Gaulle
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Description
Masterly ... awesome reading ... an outstanding biography - Max Hastings, Sunday Times
In six weeks in 1940, France was over-run by German troops and surrendered. One junior French general, refusing to accept defeat, made his way to England. On 18 June he spoke to his compatriots over the BBC, urging them to rally to him in London. At that moment, Charles de Gaulle entered into history.
For the rest of the war, de Gaulle frequently bit the hand that fed him. He insisted on being treated as the true embodiment of France, and quarrelled violently with Churchill and Roosevelt. But through sheer force of personality and bloody-mindedness he managed to have France recognised as one of the victorious Allies.
For ten years after 1958 he was President of France's Fifth Republic, which he created and which endures to this day. His pursuit of a certain idea of France challenged American hegemony, took France out of NATO and twice vetoed British entry into the European Community. His controversial decolonisation of Algeria brought France to the brink of civil war and provoked several assassination attempts.
Julian Jackson's magnificent biography reveals the life of this titanic figure as never before. No previous biography has depicted his paradoxes so vividly. Much of French politics since his death has been about his legacy, and he remains by far the greatest French leader since Napoleon.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
A Certain Idea of France by Julian Jackson is acclaimed for its comprehensive and insightful portrayal of Charles de Gaulle, offering a vivid depiction of his influence on modern France. The biography is praised for its scholarly depth, excellent use of quotations, and engaging narrative style, making it a significant contribution to the genre. Critics highlight its ability to encapsulate de Gaulle's complex historical and political context, providing a unique perspective on 20th-century politics.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141049533
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 04 July 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 43.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 692g
Pages: 944
About the Author
Julian Jackson is Emeritus Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London and one of the foremost British scholars of twentieth-century France. A Certain Idea of France- The Life of Charles de Gaulle won the Duff Cooper Prize, the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography, the American Library in Paris Award, the Franco-British Society Literary Prize, the Grand Prix de la Biographie Politique du Touquet and the Prix Special du Jury de Prix de Geopolitique. His other books include France- The Dark Years, 1940-1944, which was shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times History Book Award, and The Fall of France, which won the Wolfson History Prize in 2004. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques and Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
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