History of France

A Captivating Guide to French History

By: Captivating History

Narrated by: Jason Zenobia

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

If you want to discover the influential and captivating history of France, then read on....

France has influenced the course of history in Europe and the world for centuries. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful countries and home to some of the world’s most visited tourist locations, France has enthralled and fascinated the people who’ve discovered that, in many ways, the history of France encompasses both the good and bad in the human character.

In History of France: A Captivating Guide to French History, you will discover topics such as:

• The simple facts about France - its population, economy, and geography
• The surprisingly advanced world of the Gauls and their famous leader Vercingetorix, who waged a bloody war against the Romans and Julius Caesar
• The great emperor Charlemagne, who created the largest and strongest military and the greatest empire after the fall of Rome
• The legendary Joan of Arc, the teenager who victoriously inspired the armies of France against the English in the 15th century
• The amazing world of Louis XIV and his beautiful and grandiose Palace of Versailles
• The bloody, inspiring struggle for freedom that was the French Revolution and how it still influences revolutions and politics today
• The brilliant Napoleon Bonaparte, the Corsican-born “foreigner” who built an empire using the force of his will, and who was ahead of his time, enacting military tactics that are still studied today in military academies around the world
• The tragic Franco-Prussian War, and how it led to the bloody wars of the 20th century in Europe
• France’s brave role in World War I
• The tragedy of WWII, the French Resistance, and collaboration
• The internal struggles of France since the end of the Second World War
• And much more!

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©2021 Captivating History (P)2021 Captivating History

Synopsis

For an adult who slept through high school world history this has inspired interest in further reading.

Very informative and good

Easy to listen to and understand! Great for anyone who wants a “capsule” look at the complicated and very interesting history of the country of France and its people. Narrator was quite good!

A Quick Overview of French History - Great Reader

Jason Zenobia charmingly reads this history of France without a stutter or a stammer over the fascinating array of French and other names.  This history of the French people starts with the 1940 discovery of the Lascaux cave paintings. They have proven to be from 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. People migrations are mentioned in relation to Gaul and then the discussion begins about the Gauls and the Romans.

Captivating History highlights some of the most important people to affect Gaul/France, such as Vercingetorix, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and the French kings, particularly Louis XIV. Through Louis XIV's excesses and the kings that followed him, the reader gets a good understanding of the causes and activities of the French Revolution. Of course, a chunk of the book covered Napoleon and his wars. 

Napoleon had a profound effect; he ended the French Revolution, created the Napoleonic Code of Laws (used in Louisiana to this day), and changed feudal Europe in several ways with his emphasis on freedom and social equality. The Industrial Revolution did not start in France but they quickly jumped on the bandwagon because of the increased prosperity.  There was a revival of French arts and culture because of the stability in the country.  However, the country France has been watching with worried eyes, Germany, suddenly emerged as an aggressive country in Europe. Then, there is the development of the first World War.  But I found most interesting to be the analysis of France between the wars.

Much of the final chapters dealt with World War II and its aftermath.  I vaguely remember Charles de Gaulle but this discussion of what he did was enlightening. Then, the conclusion was most interesting because of the collaboration vs. resistance views of the French. It seems that after all this time, it has come out that more French collaborated than resisted during the war.

The photos and maps helped explain some of the discussions.  However, "Illustration 55: Oradour-sur-Glane, France" was the most evocative. The city sits as it did on the date following the massacre of 600 civilians by the Germans. This book concentrates on the highlights and major points of French history. In so few pages, it would be impossible to offer more.

Outstanding writing and narration

Superbly written and narrated. Outstanding summary of French history. Loved every moment. Couldn't quit listening.

Who really is France

France happened to be in the right place at the right time in history, her location in the center of Europe makes her unique, as invaders have attempted to conquer her and others have passed through on their way to other lands, France has always prevailed, and she still does today. This book walks you through most of the history of France and how she has almost always been in the middle of everything happening in Europe. So much of what makes Europe what it is today is because what has happened in France in the past. Enjoy this short walk through history.

history of France

this book covers so much information. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Joan of arc and Louis XIV/, and learning about the role that France played during WW2and the French resistance movement.

Excellent

Very informative audio book on the History of France. Would recommend this title to others.

Just ok.

Interesting history but a little too pro French and biased. Probably better books on French history.