This book provides a clear, well-informed and highly illustrated guide to French history from the early Middle Ages to the Mitterrand presidency. A comprehensive study of France, based on a carefully structured synthesis and written in an entertaining style for the student and traveler. Alongside major themes such as state and society, the impact of war, and the use of political power, Roger Price includes studies of major figures including Louis XIV, the two Napoleons, Clemenceau and De Gaulle, providing a concise yet complete history of the country.